“"Each year we undertake a comprehensive review of our winter maintenance arrangements, drawing on operational experience, performance data and feedback from communities to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the winter season ahead. The Winter Service Plan provides a clear framework for how we respond to winter weather. We continue to plan for a range of weather conditions and maintain the staff, equipment and salt stocks required to respond effectively when winter weather arrives, enabling us to keep key routes open, support our communities and maintain safe travel across the Scottish Borders. Given the size and geography of the Scottish Borders, it is not possible for us to be everywhere at once. That is why the contribution of our Resilient Communities, community volunteers and local self-help initiatives remains so important. Their support helps strengthen local resilience and allows our resources to be focused where they are needed most during periods of severe weather. I would also like to thank our staff, contractors, and community partners whose dedication and commitment help us deliver this essential service year after year. By continuing to work together, we can help keep communities moving safely throughout the winter months."
Scottish Borders Council Approves 2026/27 Winter Service Plan
The plan details preparations for winter weather, including salt stocks, grit bins, and community self-help initiatives.
By Kirsty Lennox
••2 min read
AI
A council gritter truck on a road in the Scottish Borders during winter.
The Scottish Borders Council has approved its 2026/27 Winter Service Plan, detailing preparations for winter weather, including salt stocks, grit bins, and community self-help.
The Scottish Borders Council has approved its 2026/27 Winter Service Plan, outlining how it will prepare for and respond to winter weather across the region. The plan builds on the successful delivery of winter services during 2025/26 and continues existing arrangements for winter maintenance, incorporating enhanced salt spreading practices and automated salting technology for much of the gritting fleet.
Key information from the 2025/26 winter included 150 planned actions to treat roads and footpaths, a decrease in salt use on both road and footways, and salt bin usage below the long-term average with additional refills. Winter treatments were extended into April, and strong community self-help and partnership working continued.
In preparation for the upcoming winter, the Council currently holds over 15,000 tonnes of salt in stock, more than 1,200 grit bins across the region, 41 gritters, and 23 footway gritters. Access to additional contractors is also available to support winter operations.
Further information on winter weather, including gritting routes, travel advice, and frequently asked questions, is available on the Council's winter weather pages.
Based on information from the official source: Scottish Borders Council (07/10/2026)
