Aberdeenshire School Closures: Heavy Snow Disrupts First Day Back After Christmas Break

Emergency Closures Affect Pupils Across North-East Scotland

Hundreds of schools across Aberdeenshire have been forced to shut as heavy snow leads to significant disruption on the first day back after the school holidays, with all primary and secondary schools in Aberdeenshire closed. The closures come as the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Highland, Orkney and Shetland for heavy and persistent snow, with the alert in place from 6pm on Sunday until 10am on Monday morning.

This widespread disruption marks a challenging start to 2026 for families and education staff across the region, with council chiefs confirming schools won’t open at the normal time on the first day back after the Christmas break.

Impact on Schools and Transport Services

Several specific schools including Ballater School, Banchory-Devenick School, Hillside School, Methlick School and Portlethen School have been confirmed as closed. For schools that remain open, transport for pupils will not be available on Monday. All North East Scotland College (NESCol) campuses are also closed due to the snow.

Schools aim to update school closures and transport changes before 7am. Parents and carers have been advised to check the Aberdeenshire Council website, which is cleared at 4pm daily to allow schools to update their closure status for the following day.

Safety Advice and Looking Ahead

Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable warned that forecasted heavy snow showers and ice mean driving conditions are likely to be hazardous, advising people to plan ahead and consider if their journey is really necessary during the weather warnings. Parents of pupils who normally travel on school transport are asked not to bring their children to school themselves when transport is cancelled, as they would become responsible for conveying their children home again.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges weather conditions pose to education services in northern Scotland during winter months. Families are urged to monitor official council channels and local radio stations for updates as conditions evolve throughout the week.