2024/25 winter service plan approved for Skye and Raasay

Councillors have approved the Winter Service Plan for Skye and Raasay Area which starts on 14 October 2024 and runs till 14 April 2025.

At the Skye and Raasay Area Committee today (26 August 2024) Councillors were informed that the winter service must be provided in line with the available budget and resources (plant, materials, and labour) available.

Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Councillors have decided on how Highland Council staff will grit Council roads and footpaths during the winter and where they will grit them within the available budget and resources.

“We urge communities in the Skye and Raasay area to make themselves aware of the council’s gritting priorities for roads and footpaths so that they are prepared for the winter impacts in their community.

“Now is the time to apply via your community council for winter resilience community aid, as the council can provide salt/grit bins, scrapers, and reflective waistcoats to allow an enhanced level of service.”

Apply now for winter resilience community aid at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/836/winter_resilience_community_aid

Check out the handy information on the Ready Scotland website about being prepared for COLD - SNOW – ICE: at: ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/cold-snow-and-ice (external link)

Councillors have approved gritting plans in which primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes and then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit.

Councillors discussed the priorities, timings, and resources available for gritting the Skye and Raasay area network of 171km (28%) primary routes, 104km (17%) secondary routes and 347km (55%) other routes across Skye and Raasay area wards.

The average annual usage of salt for the area is approximately 4,000 tonnes.