Work Of Council's Storm Response Team Recognised

15th July 2024

The action taken by the Council's roads teams across the Highlands in response to the impact of storms has been recognised.

The team were delighted to win the Team of the Year at the recent Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.

Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "The teams have dealt with numerous storm events over this 2023/24 winter season, facing snowstorms, high winds, flooding and landslips - working day and night in extreme weather conditions to deal with the impact and to keep the road network open. They are often regarded as 'the fourth emergency service', being an integral part of the emergency response provided by other blue light services.

“When you see photos of the incidents they have attended and the quick response they have provided, it is clear that we have a very dedicated and professional team who are able to step in when most needed no matter what the weather. I am happy that their hard work and skills under very challenging circumstances have been recognised and my sincere congratulations goes to everyone who has played a part."

Key events the team have responded to include:

• Storm Babet
• Power outage, Raasay
• 999 outage, Laggan
• Landslip Elgol, Skye
• Rail incident, Invergordon
• Severe weather - rain and snow across the Highlands
• A9 south closure due to severe weather
• Storm Gerrit
• Amber Snow Warning across the Highlands
• Storm Isha
• Storm Jocelyn
• 999 outage, Skye

During incidents staff attend the Emergency Liaison Group meetings to provide updates and support to partners. These meetings and other tactical meetings, often held out of hours, are to assist colleagues and help support the emergency response.

The team’s nomination came from the Council’s Head of Roads, Tracey Urry. She said: “There have been numerous compliments received from partner agencies such as NHS Highland, Blue Light Services, staff, councillors, communities and members of the public who have appreciated the hard work and difficult conditions in which our road teams operate, to keep the roads open and safe.

“As well as responding to incidents on the ground, the team are able to provide current information including photos and video footage to our communications team to assist with informing and warning the public."

Some of the staff involved were able to attended the prize giving ceremony held at Strathpeffer Pavillion to collect their Team of The Year Award which was presented to them by Chief Executive Derek Brown.