Farmers step in with tractors to clear snow from roads

Farmers have been going above and beyond to help communities during severe winter weather, using tractors and farm machinery to clear snow-covered roads and assist stranded motorists.

With amber and yellow snow warnings in force across much of northern Scotland – particularly Aberdeenshire – hazardous conditions have left many routes difficult or impassable due to drifting snow and ice.

The Met Office has warned that further snowfall and strong winds could cut off remote communities and disrupt travel into the working week.

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As council snow-clearing teams struggle to keep pace, farmers have stepped in to help.

Photos and videos shared online show tractors fitted with ploughs clearing rural roads in both North Yorkshire and Aberdeenshire, including tackling snow drifts of up to 61cm on routes such as the A171 near Hawsker and Fylingdales.

Snow heroes

© Scott Campbell

Scott Campbell, who farms at Kirkton of Kinellar near Blackburn in Aberdeenshire, has been clearing snow from regional roads daily since the Hogmanay celebrations.

His farming team has four tractors and snow ploughs operating under contract to Aberdeenshire Council, helping ambulances reach emergencies and ensuring communities can access vital food supplies.

Mr Campbell said: “It hasn’t stopped snowing here for the last five days and it’s still coming down. If it wasn’t for the farmers, the whole of Aberdeenshire would come to a standstill.

“People really appreciate what we do, but it’s not just about clearing the roads, we also supply the milk and the ingredients that produce bread. This type of event makes people realise we’re still important and we need to be valued with better prices.”

Among those also lending a hand are the Ross family, who farm near Tarland, Aberdeenshire.

While continuing to care for livestock in freezing conditions, they have also been clearing snow and helping drivers stuck in deep drifts.

Their efforts – along with those of farmers across the country – have been praised by farming charity Rsabi, which also highlighted the work of Orkney farmer Graham Tulloch, pictured using his snow plough to clear island roads.

Orkney farmer Graham Tulloch clearly had his work cut out for him today…..!
Thanks so much to all the farmers not only working hard to keep livestock fed and water troughs defrosted, but also finding time to help with efforts to keep people safe and roads open during heavy… pic.twitter.com/v7nDxyHcGP

— RSABI – supporting people in Scottish agriculture (@RSABI) January 5, 2026

“We’re very proud of our farmers – thank you for going above and beyond. Please take care out there,” Rsabi said in a Facebook post.

Local residents and community groups have echoed those sentiments online, describing farmers’ support as vital in keeping rural areas connected and safe during the snowstorm.

The Met Office said four amber warnings for snow remain in place across parts of northern Scotland, alongside widespread yellow warnings for snow and ice stretching across much of the UK.

Forecasters say cold conditions and wintry hazards are set to continue over the coming days.