Are you ready for winter asks Highland Council?

The Highland Council is supporting the Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland Campaign and urges people in the Highlands to take some time to get ready for winter and all kinds of severe weather.  

Councillor Graham Mackenzie, Highland Council’s Chair of Community Services Committee, said: “We have had a very mild start to this winter and we want people to think ahead and be prepared for a change in the temperature and all types of severe weather. Are you ready at home and while travelling for potential hard frosts and snow and do you know how to find out if your school is closed?”  

Within its winter roads maintenance budget of £5.6 million for 2014/15, the Council is ready to salt - according to its policy – the 4,200 miles (6,700km) of roads for which the Council has responsibility. Trunk roads in Highland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their operators Bear Scotland.  

Highland Council’s road salt stocks are currently at 50,000 tonnes. This equates to 14 days of extreme conditions or 53 days restricted use.  Arrangements are in place to re-stock during the winter if the rate of use is high.  The Council’s suppliers have adequate reserves for this to happen and no shortage is anticipated. 

Grit/salt bins on council roads have a telephone number displayed to allow the public to request a refill. The Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy and local area gritting maps are on the council’s website.  

To find out if Highland schools are closed call the school information line on 0800 564 2272 and dial in your local school PIN number to get the latest pre-recorded message from the head teacher. A list of school PIN numbers is on the council’s website. Make sure you have the phone number and PIN number ready in a handy place now. School Closures are also being updated on the Council website at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures