Winter preparations are complete across some of Scotland’s most challenging roads, with BEAR Scotland assembling a fleet of 89 vehicles and more than 35,000 tonnes of salt to help keep motorists moving when severe weather arrives.
The company, which maintains trunk roads on behalf of Transport Scotland, has more than 100 skilled operatives ready to respond to snow, ice, flooding and high winds across the north and west of the country.
Its North West Unit covers more than 1,422 kilometres of trunk roads, including routes that provide essential connections between Highland communities, businesses and the wider transport network.
The winter fleet includes 29 large salt spreaders weighing 32 tonnes each, alongside specialist vehicles used for overnight patrols, precautionary treatments and snow clearance.
Fifteen footway spreaders and four snow blower attachments are also available to deal with particularly difficult conditions.
And bringing a little Highland humour to the serious business of winter maintenance, several gritters will be heading onto the roads with new names chosen by local primary schools and competition winners.
Among the latest additions are Gritty Woman, Help Ma Boab-sleigh and Snow Way José, joining the fleet responsible for keeping key routes open.
Behind the scenes, BEAR Scotland’s control room operates around the clock, monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions throughout the winter months.
Overnight patrols will provide additional coverage, including five dedicated patrols on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
These vehicles can spread salt when necessary while collecting road surface temperature information through onboard sensors, helping teams identify changing conditions before they become more serious.
The operation also relies on detailed forecasts from weather specialists Metdesk and information gathered from 52 roadside weather stations across the network.
When freezing temperatures are expected, salt is applied in advance to help prevent ice forming on road surfaces.
BEAR Scotland uses a technique known as prewetted salting, mixing dry salt with brine as it is spread to help it stick to the road and begin working more quickly.
Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Contract Director, said:
“Our teams, equipment and salt supplies are in place across the North West and we are ready to respond to whatever the winter weather brings.
“Conditions are monitored around the clock, allowing our teams to plan treatments in advance and respond quickly when conditions change.
“Road users can also help by checking the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off, making sure their vehicle is ready for winter and allowing extra time for their journey.”
For motorists travelling through the Highlands, winter conditions can change considerably over relatively short distances, particularly on higher routes and exposed stretches of road.
Heavy snowfall, black ice and strong winds can create difficult conditions even when nearby towns and lower ground remain relatively unaffected.
The winter operation is designed to reduce disruption and improve safety, although severe weather can still affect journey times and road availability despite extensive preparations.
Drivers can follow the movements of Scotland’s gritting fleet using the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker, which shows where vehicles have been working.
Live traffic information and updates on road conditions are also available through Traffic Scotland
With the fleet prepared, salt supplies secured and specialist teams ready to respond, the focus now turns to keeping the Highlands connected through whatever challenges the coming winter brings.
