Councillors Approve Comprehensive Winter Services Plan for Sutherland

Local councillors have officially approved the winter services plan for Sutherland for the upcoming 2025/26 season. During a recent meeting at the Sutherland area headquarters in Drummuie, Golspie, members of the Sutherland County Committee reviewed and endorsed the detailed strategy aimed at ensuring safe road conditions throughout the winter months.

The plan outlines priority roads and gritting routes, essential for maintaining safe travel in the region. Richard Gale, the chairman of the Sutherland County Committee and a councillor representing East Sutherland and Edderton ward, emphasized the extensive road network in Sutherland. He noted that council officers face challenging conditions while working diligently to keep the area’s roads safe.

Key Details of the Winter Services Plan

Covering approximately 1,336 kilometres of road, the winter services plan categorizes routes into primary, secondary, and other classifications. Primary routes, which total 534 kilometres, will receive treatment first, followed by 248 kilometres of secondary routes and 554 kilometres of additional routes as resources allow.

Preparation for the winter season is critical, and the council uses an average of 9,000 tonnes of salt each year to treat the roads. Before the winter gritting season begins on October 14, 2025, officers ensure that sufficient salt supplies are available across various depots, including Strathy, Tongue, Durness, Kinlochbervie, and others.

The council has made information about gritting routes and policies readily accessible on its website. Additionally, communities can apply for support through the Winter Resilience Scheme, which provides essential equipment such as salt bins, shovels, and high-visibility clothing. The scheme also covers public liability insurance and offers safety advice.

Encouraging Community Involvement

Cllr Gale expressed the council’s intention to promote community engagement in winter maintenance efforts. He stated, “We are keen to encourage communities to ‘self-help’ as much as possible. This does not replace council services but enhances winter maintenance in our area.”

Residents are urged to support one another, particularly those who may require assistance during extreme weather conditions. Cllr Gale advised, “My advice is not to wait until it snows to ask for support in your community. Now is the time to apply through your community council for help.”

The council has also updated its policy regarding requests for grit bins, clarifying the process for communities wishing to request one for their area or street.

For further guidance on preparing for emergencies and extreme weather, the public can visit www.ready.scot. This proactive approach aims to ensure that Sutherland’s communities are not only prepared for winter but are also equipped to help one another during challenging conditions.