Keeping roads safe in winter
Our winter service runs between 14 October and 14 April each year.
During this time we actively monitor road and weather conditions across our extensive road network.
Our winter operations
- Fleet - We operate 105 road gritters, 42 pavement gritters, and 1 snowblower.
- Grit bins - We have over 1,750 grit bins located across the Highlands.
- Salt usage - We spread approximately 50,000 tonnes each winter.
- Policy - Our Winter Service Policy, approved in 2018, guides all operations.
Download our Winter Service Policy
Investment in safety
We maintain the longest local road network of any Scottish council. While costs vary depending on winter severity, we typically invest around £5 million annually in delivering this essential service.
Help us keep our roads safe
Let us know if you encounter a damaged or empty grit bin.
Report a damaged or empty grit bin
Community winter resilience
We support communities across the Highlands who want to take proactive steps to manage snow and ice in their local areas. If your community is interested in helping to clear footpaths during winter, we can provide assistance and resources to help you get started.