Scotland's major north-south trunk road blocked by flooding and mud-slides

Heavy rain over the past few days in central Scotland has caused havoc on the roads. The most dramatic example has been the closure yesterday of the A9 as a result of a major mud-slide which engulfed cars, lorries and buses. It is not expected to re-open until late today.

Some have attributed this to the effects of 'global warming', perhaps accurately for all I know. On the other hand a Met Office official I saw yesterday evening on the television suggested that heavy summer rains are much more common in Scotland than is realised by most people. As there are few alternative routes to get to this part of Scotland (i.e. the north, where I live), and those alternatives involve very considerably longer distances, the A9 is vital not just for car travel, but for getting goods to and from the area. It is salutary to be reminded of the power of nature.