Highland Council School Closures: Winter Weather Disrupts Return to School

Widespread Disruption Across the Highlands

The start of the 2026 school term has been severely disrupted across the Highlands, with Highland Council publishing a list of more than 200 schools affected by weather disruption, including 21 secondary schools, 125 primary schools, three special schools and 97 nurseries. The closures come as the Met Office extended its yellow warning for snow and ice, causing significant travel disruption throughout the region.

Impact on Students and Families

Many children across the north and north-east are yet to return to school after the Christmas holidays due to the severe weather. The challenging conditions have forced head teachers to make difficult decisions about safety. Thousands of pupils across the Highlands will see their winter holidays extended for one more day as many schools are set to remain closed due to challenging conditions on roads. While some schools remain completely shut, others have implemented delayed opening times to allow roads to be cleared.

How Parents Can Stay Informed

Highland Council has established clear communication channels to keep parents updated. Once a school is confirmed as closed by the Head Teacher it will appear on the council’s dedicated page, and schools may also notify parents via their normal communication channels, such as social media or email. Parents can also call a dedicated hotline or follow the council’s social media accounts for real-time updates.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to affect the region. After yesterday saw most schools completely closed, some are expected to reopen today — although with some delays. The disruption highlights the challenges facing Scotland’s largest local authority area, which manages an extensive geographical region with varying weather conditions. Parents are advised to regularly check official channels for the latest information before travelling to school.