Vital supplies of heating oil will arrive in Aberdeen and Inverness today.

Two shipments of kerosene, together totalling 1.8 million litres, will be unloaded during the course of the day, ready for distribution to customers across Scotland.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the arrival and said the focus would now be on ensuring it reached customers as quickly as possible.

With more snow and plummeting temperatures forecast for many parts of Scotland overnight, especially Grampian, the Highlands and the Northern Isles, Mr Lochhead also reminded the public to check the latest weather forecasts and transport updates before travelling and to only set out when absolutely necessary.

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Mr Lochhead said: "Heating oil supplies and deliveries were becoming an issue of particular concern and I am pleased that these huge shipments are now arriving in Aberdeen and Inverness. Deliveries of vehicle fuels, including red diesel, are also arriving, though these supplies remain in good shape overall.

"We must now work hard to ensure these lifeline supplies reach those who need them and I am pleased that despite the bad weather and hazardous road conditions, efforts are being made by distributors to reduce delivery times to domestic and business customers.

"We are working with local authorities to ensure supplies of heating oil reach the most vulnerable as a matter of priority and Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy have also offered to support the distribution of vital fuel supplies. We are also in close contact with the livestock sector in order to monitor any welfare issues arising from difficulties associated with distributing animal feed.

"Many parts of Scotland have experienced heavy snow today and more is expected so everyone should take heed of the latest weather and transport updates before travelling. Our multi-agency six-point plan to improve communication and keep Scotland moving is now in full effect and over 1,000 snow vehicles are being operated around the clock."

(GK)