Gritter teams praised for ’round-the-clock’ work in ‘challenging’ winter weather

Transport Secretary Fiona Hylsop has thanked roads workers for their round-the-clock efforts to help keep the country moving during the recent “challenging” weather.

With Scotland having been hit with three named storms so far this winter, as well as having suffered lengthy spells of snow, ice, rain and high wind, more than 240 gritters have taken to the roads, carrying out thousands of treatments across the 2,179-mile trunk road network.

Almost 193,000 tonnes of salt have been used so far on local and trunk roads – with the Scottish Government stressing “healthy” stock levels mean there are still more than 442,000 tonnes available in reserve.

Winter maintenance work is part of the Scottish Government’s investment in the trunk road network, with spending in the area due to rise to more than £714 million in 2025-26.

Speaking as she met with staff at Bear Scotland’s Burghmuir gritter depot in West Lothian, Ms Hyslop urged travellers to also play their part when conditions are difficult.

She said: “I was really pleased to be able to meet some of our winter teams in person and hear about their round-the-clock efforts which help keep Scotland moving during the challenging winter weather.

“Some of the conditions we‘ve seen over the past weeks, including three named storms, really highlight the vital role they play at this time of year and we very much appreciate their hard work.”

She continued: “It’s also important to remember that we, as travellers, have a role to play ourselves when the worst of the conditions move in.

“By planning your journey ahead of time, you can support the hard work of our winter teams across the transport network.

“Drivers should make sure their vehicle is winter ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place.

“Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts.

“It’s also home to the gritter tracker, which lets you follow our named gritter fleet as winter treatments are carried out in your local area.”

Ms Hyslop added those travelling by train, plane or ferry should also stay in contact with travel operators for the latest service information when winter weather strikes.