UPDATE: Transport experts across Scotland have just announced urgent preparations for severe winter weather that could impact road, rail, and ferry networks. Representatives from Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, the Met Office, ScotRail, Network Rail, and CalMac gathered in Glasgow this week to outline their extensive plans.
Officials emphasized that these preparations are critical as climate change has led to more frequent and unpredictable weather events, including strong winds, flooding, and landslides. Notably, flooding has restricted Scotland’s trunk road network for an average of 62 days annually over the past three years, a sharp increase from just 20 days between 2015 and 2017.
This winter, around 240 gritters will be deployed to patrol the trunk road network, ensuring that salt is spread and snow is cleared from approximately 40 depots across the country. Additionally, Scotland’s rail network is set to implement numerous measures, including the UK’s first 24/7 weather desk staffed by specialist meteorologists to provide real-time forecasts.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop highlighted the changing dynamics of severe weather: “Severe weather has traditionally been associated with winter, snow, ice, and gritters. However, we just have to look back at the impact of Storm Amy and Storm Floris to realize that we can face challenging conditions at any time of year.” She added that the signs of climate change are evident daily, affecting both transportation and daily life.
Among the advanced preparations, a new £1 million winter train will be used for de-icing infrastructure. Transport Scotland is also deploying a dedicated helicopter from Network Rail to ensure railway lines remain clear and safe. Martin Thomson, National Operations Manager for Resilience at Transport Scotland, stated that modern technology plays a crucial role in managing severe weather challenges.
Meanwhile, Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, affirmed, “Severe weather doesn’t respect railway timetables, which is why our teams are ready to respond throughout the year.” The rail services will utilize various tools, including aerial inspections and specialist equipment like snowploughs and de-icing trains.
Recent storms have already caused significant disruptions, leading to widespread delays and cancellations in CalMac’s ferry network. Finlay MacRae, Head of Operations at CalMac, explained the importance of planning in their operations: “We actively take part in resilience partnerships and planning events across our network with emergency services and local authorities.”
The multi-agency approach is reinforced by Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren of road policing, who stated, “Every agency has a role to prepare, respond, and recover from severe weather.” He urged everyone to assist by planning ahead, checking for road closures, and paying attention to weather warnings.
As winter approaches, officials urge Scots to stay informed about potential severe weather impacts that could disrupt transportation services across the country. The coordinated efforts of various transport agencies underscore the urgency of keeping Scotland moving despite the challenges posed by climate change.
Stay tuned for more updates as preparations continue to evolve.
