Storm Gerrit has wreaked havoc on the travel network and left thousands of homes without power.

Parts of Scotland experienced significant heavy snow with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) saying workers had been dealing with wind speeds of 80mph in some coastal areas as they worked to reconnect customers.

High winds and heavy rain and snow damaged electricity networks across Scotland as fallen trees, branches and other debris brought down power lines while there was damage to property by strong gusts in Greater Manchester.

SSEN said that as of 11am on Thursday supplies had been restored to some 34,000 customers, with around 7,700 left without power.

Andy Smith, SSEN distribution operations director, said: “Our teams continue to make really good progress in restoring power following the significant impact of Storm Gerrit.

READ MORE: Storm Gerrit batters Scotland as thousands left without power and drivers stranded

“I know it’s caused problems for our customers, and I’m grateful to them for their patience. I’d like to reassure customers we’ve got every resource at our disposal out there, fixing faults on the network.

“Adverse conditions on the roads hampered our efforts last night, but thankfully conditions have improved this morning and we’re making progress with the work that needs to be done.

“But it will take time to complete all repairs. Some customers in rural areas where there are multiple points of damage, will be without power until Friday.”

Police Scotland confirmed the A9 has fully reopened in both directions after snow blocked the road between Drumochter and Dalwhinnie.

Inspector Michelle Burns, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Conditions for travel in the affected areas may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised by all road users".

The A96 remains closed at Hunty due to flooding while the A82 is also closed between Invergarry and Fort Augustus due to fallen trees.

Scotland’s rail network experienced widespread cancellations and delays with a train driver’s cabin hit by a falling tree.

ScotRail suspended multiple train services until further notice, impacting trains travelling while other lines saw their timetables shelved until “a full inspection can be carried out” on the railway network.

Routes currently closed are:

• Aberdeen – Glasgow / Edinburgh

• Edinburgh – Dundee

• Aberdeen – Inverness

• Inverness – Wick / Kyle of Lochalsh

• Glasgow – Oban / Fort William / Mallaig

• Kilmarnock - Dumfries

Train operator LNER, which runs services between London and Scotland on the East Coast Main Line, also advised customers not to travel due to the weather.

Customers stranded by the disruption were told to book hotels which they can claim back.

Avanti West Coast, which operates services on the West Coast Main Line, said its route to Scotland is impassable with all services to and from London terminating at Preston.

Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday, the operator said.