Skiers have faced six-mile tailbacks as they flocked to the slopes to take advantage of the snowy conditions.

Police said there were traffic issues at Glencoe Mountain Resort and Nevis Range ski centres which were both at full capacity on Saturday afternoon.

Drivers abandoned their cars on the roads as they tried to reach the resorts where car parks were full.

Police said high volumes of traffic were hampering the efforts of gritters and urged people to turn back.

Inspector Jen Valentine said: “These abandoned cars at both centres are posing a risk so I am urging anyone who has left their car to return and move it. Any cars not moved will be seized.

“It is great that so many people are wanting to take advantage of the good weather and skiing available in our area however, public safety on the roads is crucial and has to be our priority.”

The country is braced for more wintry weather on Sunday when a yellow “be aware” warning of snow and ice covers much of Scotland, the Midlands and northern England.

The warning, valid from 6am until 6pm, predicts snow on higher routes and says that rain may fall onto frozen surfaces for a time, particularly across Scotland, following a very cold night.

Icy patches are likely on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

It warns that some roads and railways are likely to be affected by the weather, with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

In Northern Ireland a yellow warning of ice is in force from 1am until 9am while a yellow warning of rain runs from 4am until 3pm.

On Friday, members of the public were urged to stay off the roads in some areas of Scotland, with weather warnings covering much of the country.

Dozens of schools around Scotland were closed while some shut early due to the weather.

On Tuesday night, more than 200 motorists were stranded overnight on the M74 as heavy snow and ice caused treacherous driving conditions.