Thursday October 8th 2026
West Lothian has once of the highest resilience levels in the country for tackling severe winter weather, councillors heard (copyright: West Lothian Council)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
The threat from a record breaking “super” El Nino is something road crews covering West Lothian are prepared for this winter.
Officers told a meeting for the council’s executive that even in the worst of winters recently the council had not exhausted salt stocks.
The much trailed forecasts will bring a wetter stormier winter councillors heard.
Ross McDonald, Roads Operations manager detailed preparations for gritting and snow clearing this winter when he spoke to this month’s meeting of the Executive.
Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle asked: “Given that we have been predicted to have this super El Nino between November and February have we done extra contingency planning.
Mr McDonald said: “El Nino is expected to keep temperatures higher than normal rather than lower so in terms of our service itself that should have less impact, with wetter and windier conditions.
“We always keep an eye on the forecast. If we have notification of very high winds coming in we alert our colleagues in NETs and land services of the threat to trees.”
Mr McDonald added: “West Lothian Council has one of the highest resilience levels in Scotland” .
Nationally, forecasters are warn of an increased chance of strong westerly winds, low pressure, heavy rain, and heightened flood risks through late 2026, particularly in November and December.
The early part of winter is expected to lean milder and stormier, while early 2027 carries an increased risk of northerly or easterly winds bringing sudden cold snaps and frost.
The Executive heard the council will have 30,000 tonnes of salt available for the season ahead, around three times the amount required during a normal winter, ensuring significant reserves are available should severe weather impact the area.
The council’s well-established Winter Service Plan outlined how more than 600 miles (1,000 km) of roads and around 800 miles (1,300 km) of footways will be prioritised for treatment throughout the winter months. As it is not possible to grit every route at the same time, priority roads and footpaths are identified to help keep communities connected and maintain access to key services.
During periods of extreme weather, resources may be focused on designated snow routes to ensure key transport links remain open and accessible.
A fleet of gritters, multi-purpose vehicles and specialist winter maintenance equipment is available to respond to changing weather conditions.
Residents will once again be able to track the council’s gritting vehicles online using the popular gritter tracker, while gritting route maps and winter maintenance information are available on the council’s website.
To support local communities during winter weather, the council will continue to provide more than 2,000 public grit bins across West Lothian.
Four dedicated seasonal staff will be employed to replenish grit bins throughout the winter period, while 32 self-help salt pick-up points will operate across the county to help residents prepare for snow and ice. Residents are also encouraged to keep their own supply of salt or grit for use on private paths and driveways.
The locations of 32 self-help strategic salt pick-up points are:-
Addiewell, the Pit Stop Car Park
Armadale, Garage Site at McNeil Crescent
Bathgate, Xcite Centre, Torphichen Road
Bathgate (Wester Inch), Car Park adjacent to play area in Leyland Road
Blackburn, Partnership Centre, Ash Grove
Blackridge, Craig Inn Community Centre, Main Street
Bridgend, Car Park at Community Centre
Broxburn, Xcite Centre, Church Street
Craigshill, Tower Public House Car Park, Adelaide Street
East Calder, Xcite Centre, Langton Road
Ecclesmachan, Oatridge College Access Road
Eliburn, Livingston North Train Station (South Car Park)
Fauldhouse, Eastfield Road Car Park near the Bottle Banks
Greenrigg, Polkemmet Drive Garage Site
Kirknewton, Sports Pavilion
Linlithgow, Xcite Centre, McGinley Way
Livingston Village, Car Park at rear of Livingston Inn
Longridge, Car Park at Playing Field, School Road
Murieston, Livingston South Train Station Car Park
Newton, Community Education Centre
Philpstoun, Church Court opposite number 25
Polbeth, Sports Pavilion Car Park, Chapelton Drive
Stoneyburn, Health Centre Car Park, Main Street
Threemiletown, Play Park Car Park, Ecclesmachan Road
Torphichen, Community Centre, Bowyett
Uphall, Community Centre Car Park, Strathbrock Place
Uphall Station / Pumpherston, Train Station Car Park
West Calder, Business Centre, Dickson Street
Westfield, north end of Strathlogie
Whitburn, Xcite Centre, Jubilee Road
Wilkieston, Linburn Park
Winchburgh, Community Centre, Craigton Place
Categories: Highways
Authorities: West Lothian Council
