A military operation to help transport hundreds of NHS staff to hospitals amid heavy snow is under way.

The army were called in to help health workers get to work in order to provide vital medical care as Scotland was battered by heavy snow.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles and 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland used 4x4 vehicles in order to transport around 200 clinical and support staff.

Impassable roads have proved a particular challenge for NHS Lothian including staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Western General hospital.

However, roads in West Lothian have been difficult even for the 4x4s on Friday morning, with soldiers forced to take detours to reach the staff.

The military assistance was granted by ministers following a request from NHS Lothian.

Lieutenant colonel Gary Sawyer of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, said: "We've been asked by the Scottish Government to help out the NHS to ensure their critical staff can get to hospitals and carry on their shift work, and the important work they do in providing health and critical care to the citizens of Edinburgh."

He added: "Our soldiers are all trained for cross-country driving, they were prepared for this task.

"It's an extreme weather event, the conditions are quite treacherous, but it's been important for us for the NHS staff to get to the locations they need to.

"We're glad to support, we're all part of the community here in Edinburgh, all our soldiers and their families live in the Edinburgh area."

Health secretary Shona Robison said: "The Scottish Government's Resilience Coordination Centre is continuing to work with local authorities and public services across Scotland and ensure they have the support they need and we have acted quickly on a specific request from NHS Lothian.

"My priority is the safety of staff and patients and the measures we have put in place will ensure these are protected during challenging circumstances.

"Many areas of Scotland continue to see very difficult and dangerous conditions - that is why the amber warning will remain in place overnight and tomorrow morning."

She urged the public to follow advice to avoid travel if possible.