HEAVY snow has been blamed on a string of accidents which have closed a major route in the Highlands.

Traffic Scotland said that emergency services and gritters have been dispatched to the A9 at the Pass of Drumochter after it was hit by a sudden intense snowfall this afternoon. 

Pictures from a traffic camera at the site show vehicles backed up in a long traffic jam. The hills nearby are covered with snow.

The road has been closed in both directions until the path can be cleared, but no official diversions have been put in place. 

Traffic Scotland Tweeted: "The #A9 remains CLOSED in both directions around Drumochter due to a collision. A number of incidents have been reported along the stretch following earlier heavy snowfall. Emergency services are at the scene.

"No official diversion at this time. As soon as the road is deemed safe we hope to have traffic on the move again."   

UPDATE

Traffic Scotland has now confirmed that the road has been cleared and all lanes are running in both directions.

The body wrote on Twitter: "All lanes now running in both directions around Drumochter following an earlier collision and heavy snowfall

"Traffic remains heavy but should ease off shortly."