DRIVERS in the Borders are being warned not to travel as they are blocking snow ploughs from clearing the region's routes.

Scottish Borders Council says a number of its vehicles have been held up today after motorists ignored advice and became stranded.

Earlier today the Met Office upgraded Scotland to a red weather warning, for the first time ever.

And Borderers are being told to stay indoors as the conditions deteriorate.

Tracey Logan, chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: "The conditions have been very challenging today, with significant snowfall throughout the region, with accumulations building up rapidly.

"Some higher routes have also experienced drifting snow, with the A697 between Carfraemill and Greenlaw closed almost all day.

"Our winter maintenance team have been working throughout the day to keep primary routes open, and will continue through the night on key routes.

"People must heed the warnings from the police about avoiding travel. 

"That remains the advice right through until 6pm tomorrow, unfortunately a number of those who have ignored the advice today have been stranded, or have hindered our snowploughs from clearing routes."