Extra grit supplies have been rolled out across Inverness and surrounding communities after nine days of severe winter weather, as part of a new pilot aimed at strengthening local winter resilience.
Large grit bags have been placed at key locations to allow communities to top up existing grit bins themselves, helping road crews continue to focus on priority routes and pavements during ongoing cold and icy conditions.
The approach is intended to support areas that do not currently have grit bins as well as those already served, giving residents practical tools to help keep their neighbourhoods safer.
The initiative has been delivered by Highland Council with support from local contractor Highland Lift and Shift and is being trialled as a new way of boosting community led responses during prolonged severe weather.
Grit bins remain for use on public roads and footpaths during adverse conditions and are not intended for commercial use.
If the pilot proves successful, the Council says the approach could be embedded into future severe weather planning.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and member of the Inverness South Ward, said:
“After an exceptionally challenging spell of winter weather, we know how hard members of the public have been working and continue to work to keep their neighbourhoods and local communities as safe as possible with the current forecast.
“These additional grit supplies are about giving members of the public the tools they need to look after their local area while our road crews continue to focus on priority routes.
“Our thanks to Highland Lift and Shift for their support in helping us to deliver this pilot initiative, aiming to strengthen community winter resilience.
“By working together, we can ensure we’re all better prepared when severe weather hits.”
Grit bags have being distributed to Culloden Shops car park off Keppoch Road, Woodside Village in Westhill, Cradlehall Shops at Cradlehall Court, Milton of Leys Shops near Leys Square, Kinmylies Shops off General Booth’s Road, Craig Dunain Duck Pond on Forester’s Way, Slackbuie near the Slackbuie Road and Slackbuie Brae junction, Ness Castle on Brodie Road near Ness Castle Primary School, Ardersier near the Clachan Road and Station Road junction, Croy Village Hall car park, and Balloch bus turning circle south of Edgemoor Park.
The Council has confirmed that salt supplies across the Highlands remain healthy, with additional deliveries expected via Scrabster and Corpach this week to strengthen stocks for the remainder of the winter season.
While snowfall has eased in many areas, temperatures are expected to remain low over the coming days, with ice now the main hazard heading into the weekend.
Roads teams continue to prioritise the treatment of key roads and footpaths, supported by waste and amenities teams who have been helping to restock bins, clear snow, and grit pavements where resources allow.
Communities are being encouraged to use salt sparingly, as some grit bins may not be restocked immediately while crews focus on maintaining the wider network.
Specific requests for grit bin refilling can be made via the Council’s service centre by clicking HERE
For guidance on how to use salt effectively on public roads and footpaths to avoid wastage click HERE
