Sutherland Councillors Approve Comprehensive Winter Services Plan

Local councillors in Sutherland have approved a detailed winter services plan for the 2025/26 season, aimed at ensuring safe travel across the region during adverse weather conditions. The Sutherland County Committee reviewed the plan at their recent meeting held at the authority’s headquarters in Drummuie, Golspie.

This comprehensive plan outlines priority roads and gritting routes essential for maintaining the safety of the county’s extensive road network. According to Richard Gale, the chairman of the Sutherland County Committee and councillor for East Sutherland and Edderton ward, the commitment to road safety is paramount. He stated, “We have a large road network in Sutherland and our officers work extremely hard in often challenging situations to keep the county’s roads as safe as possible.”

The network spans approximately 1,336 kilometres, with maintenance conducted from multiple depots located in Strathy, Tongue, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Lochinver, Lairg, Ardgay, Dornoch, Brora, and Helmsdale. The plan prioritizes the treatment of roads, with 534 km designated as primary routes, 248 km as secondary routes, and 554 km classified as other routes, which will be addressed as resources allow.

Preparation is critical for effective winter service delivery. The council utilizes an average of 9,000 tonnes of salt annually, and prior to the start of the winter gritting season on October 14, 2025, officials ensure that adequate supplies are available across all depots.

In addition to maintaining roads, the council encourages community involvement through the Winter Resilience Scheme. This initiative provides local residents with essential equipment such as salt bins, shovels, high-visibility clothing, public liability insurance, and safety advice. Cllr Gale emphasized the importance of community self-help, stating, “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.”

Councillors also stress the need for residents to look out for vulnerable neighbours 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.” Recently, the council has updated its policy regarding requests for grit bins, clarifying how communities can submit requests for their areas.

For further information on the council’s gritting routes and policies, residents can visit the council’s official website. Additionally, guidance for preparing for emergencies and extreme weather events is available at www.ready.scot. The proactive steps being taken by the Sutherland County Committee reflect a commitment to maintaining safety and accessibility for all residents throughout the winter months.