UPDATE: Caithness and parts of Sutherland cut off with A9 to remain shut overnight
The A9 is to remain closed in both directions overnight between Dunbeath and Helmsdale.
It follows a day of distress for motorists stranded in the snowbound section of the major route between Inverness and Caithness.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "With snow gates shut, the major route will remain closed with no access for motorists travelling north or south on the A9 into or out of Caithness.
"Should any emergency services require to travel along this route, please be reassured that resources are in place to support this.
"In addition, road conditions in the North Highland area remain extremely challenging and we would urge motorists to remain at home other than for essential travel."
As the Highland Council map above shows, road crews were working into this evening to open other Highland roads, with large parts of the north Highlands cut off.
