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

Traffic Scotland said that emergency services and gritters were dispatched to the A9 at the Pass of Drumochter after it was hit by a sudden intense snowall 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 was been closed in both directions until the path wan be cleared, but no official diversions were 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."   

The road re-opened around 8pm. Police officers helped to direct traffic until congestion eased.