• More than 35,000 tonnes of salt stocked across the North West

• 89-strong winter fleet ready to respond to challenging conditions

• Newly named gritters set to take to the roads

BEAR Scotland is ready for the winter months, with an 89-strong fleet, more than 35,000 tonnes of salt and over 100 skilled operatives available to help keep trunk roads users moving across the North West Unit. 

Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland manages and maintains more than 1,422km of trunk roads in the north and west of Scotland, with teams prepared to respond to snow, ice, flooding, high winds and other severe weather. 

The winter fleet includes 29 large 32-tonne salt spreaders, alongside vehicles used for precautionary treatments, patrols and snow clearance. There are also 15 footway spreaders and four snow blower attachments available for severe snowfall. 

There will be some new names taking to the North West’s roads this winter, with local primary schools and competition winners helping to name some of BEAR Scotland’s gritters. ‘Gritty Woman’, ‘Help Ma Boab-sleigh’ and ‘Snow Way José’ and are among the newly named vehicles joining the winter fleet. 

BEAR Scotland’s 24-hour control room monitors conditions across the North West throughout the winter, supported by overnight patrols, including five dedicated to the A9 between Perth and Inverness. 

Patrol vehicles can carry out salt treatments where required and collect road surface temperature information using on-board sensors, helping teams respond quickly to changing conditions. 

Detailed weather forecasts from Metdesk and information from 52 roadside weather stations are used to plan treatments across the network. Where freezing conditions are forecast, salt is spread in advance to reduce the risk of ice forming. 

BEAR Scotland uses pre-wetted salt, where dry salt is mixed with brine as it is spread. This helps the salt stick to the road surface so that it acts 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.” 

See BEAR’s gritters and where they’ve been using the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker. 

Real-time traffic information is available at www.trafficscotland.org or on X at @trafficscotland. 

Updates on BEAR’s winter service are posted on X at @NWTrunkRoads. 

Find out more on BEAR Scotland’s winter portal: www.bearscot.com/winter-portal