Amey's 40-strong gritter fleet ready 24/7 to keep North East Scotland moving this winter

Amey is ready to keep North East Scotland moving this winter, with 40 gritters available around the clock across 593km of trunk roads.

Operating on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey's 2026/27 winter service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with dedicated teams monitoring weather forecasts and road surface temperatures to ensure treatments can be carried out when required.

Amey’s distinctive orange winter fleet includes 40 Econ gritters and 40 snowploughs, supported by specialist equipment to help teams respond to a wide range of winter conditions. The fleet also includes eight footpath gritters, four Fastracs and four snow blowers.

Amey’s Severe Weather Manager Stuart Green said:

“Our winter teams are ready to respond around the clock to whatever conditions the north east weather brings.

“Months of preparation take place before winter arrives, and our experienced teams will be monitoring forecasts and road conditions closely so that we can respond when required.

“Our gritter drivers work in some of the most challenging conditions, often overnight and in severe weather, and their work plays an important role in helping to keep Scotland’s trunk road network moving.

“We’d also encourage everyone travelling this winter to be prepared. Check weather and traffic information before setting off, allow extra time when conditions are difficult and adjust your driving to suit the road conditions.”

Amey's gritter fleet ranges from 18-tonne to 32-tonne vehicles, helping teams respond to different conditions across the north east trunk road network.

Alongside 35,000 tonnes of salt, Amey will have 50,000 litres of potassium acetate and 50,000 litres of magnesium chloride available, providing alternative treatments for roads and paths when temperatures are particularly low.

Salt storage is supported by a 9,000-tonne capacity barn at Amey’s Kinross depot and a 5,000-tonne capacity barn at Nairn, providing additional resilience during adverse weather.