Ministers have again heard from police, local authorities, utilities companies and other bodies as the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room discussed the response to the severe weather.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said afterwards that “the most severe weather has now abated” and significant work is now under way to help the hardest hit.
She said: “Work is now focusing to ensure that those who have experienced the most severe disruption, particularly the vulnerable, are being supported, with access routes and services reopened as soon as possible.”
She said extra equipment including snowblowers, tractors and salt is being provided to Aberdeenshire council under mutual aid agreements.
Network Rail said work to clear the final section of the railways, north of Brora will be carried out on Thursday.
On the roads, Highland Council said the A836 Lairg to Tongue road is shut due to drifting snow at Crask and north of Altnaharra, while Traffic Scotland said snow gates are shut at the Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar, Cock Bridge to Tomintoul, and at Bridge of Dye.
Police Scotland urged people to continue following travel advice.