With temperatures widely expected to plummet as low as -20 degrees Celsius tomorrow (Saturday), the Met Office at RAF Leuchars is predicting that there'll be no respite from the big freeze until next weekend.

Forecasters say temperatures are set to rise next Saturday, January 16, but more snow is predicted before then.

While north east Fife has fared better than some other areas of the UK, the severe weather has brought with it a level of disruption not seen for over 30 years.

Both Fife and Perth and Kinross councils came in for harsh criticism this week for their perceived shortcomings as pedestrians negotiated treacherous pavements and many motorists in rural areas were forced to abandon their cars.

The severe weather also led to the closure of several schools and nurseries in north east Fife.

Bell Baxter High School's new term did not begin until Wednesday, while Westfield Nursery in Cupar stayed shut due to staff being unable to enter the car park.

Primary schools and nurseries in Auchtermuchty, Craigrothie, Gateside, Newburgh and Rathillet also fell victim to weather-related issues including water and heating problems and concerns about safety.

Controversially, however, Castlehill Primary School in Cupar remained open in spite of parents' concerns about the safety of access paths and steps.

A Fife Council spokesperson said individual head teachers would decide whether to close their schools based on children's safety and the effects of losing a day's education.

For information about school closures, log on to www.fifedirect.co.uk or call the closures line on 08451 55 11 99.

Read more in this week's Fife Herald.