INVERCLYDE has escaped the brunt of the bad weather affecting parts of Scotland this morning.

Weather warnings put in place for the area on Tuesday have been lifted, with none in place for the next few days.

Warnings remain in place for more snow and ice across Scotland as wintry weather continues to sweep the country.

Heavy snow lying in the north, south and west of the country led to problems on many roads on Thursday with "dozens" of minor accidents as cars skidded off roads.

The Met Office has issued warnings for up to 20cm of snow for higher ground and ice until late on Friday.

Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "There's a chance any snow that settles could be disruptive to transport and possibly lead to interruptions to power supplies.

"Forecasting snow is always challenging and there's often a fine line between whether it will rain or snow in a particular location depending on slight changes in air temperature. Keep an eye on the forecast and warnings for your area for the latest information."

Police are urging drivers to take care on all surfaces and officers have launched an appeal to trace a driver not seen since leaving his work in Grangemouth on Thursday morning.

It is thought Brian Hunter may have used the A9, which has been badly affected by snow.

He has not been heard from since 8am on Thursday when he left Malcolm Logistics in Lauriston Road, Grangemouth,

He was driving a black Vauxhall Vectra, registration number KC06 VKB.

Inspector Martin Rutland said: "Brian has now been missing for some time and we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"We believe that Brian may be travelling north on the A9 and we would ask anyone on the road to be vigilant for a black Vauxhall Vectra driven by a man in his late 30s and report any sighting to police."

Snow showers are expected to be less frequent over the weekend but temperatures will remain low.

Among the drivers caught up in the snow on Thursday was Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who took to Twitter to thank a gritter driver who helped tow his car out of a snow bank in the south of Scotland.

He wrote: "Thanks 2 the kind gent who towed my car out of a snow bank today after I hit black ice. Thankfully no harm to me or car but be careful folks!"

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "Motorists all over the UK are facing very challenging driving conditions from the full array of winter weather.

"Driving in rain, snow and ice is a real danger so the best advice is to drive more slowly, leave far more space behind the car in front than normal, and expect the unexpected.

"If you are unlucky enough to find yourself slipping and sliding on the road, change to a higher gear to gain traction, be gentle with the accelerator and you should keep control. Also, remember to give yourself more time to brake and apply the pressure on the brake steadily. "