Earlier this year, we challenged primary school children across the North West of Scotland to come up with names for our new fleet of gritters. Competition was tough with over 800 schools being invited to enter the competition, but we managed to pick worthy winners.

Fraser (6) and Amy (6), pupils from Luncarty Primary School, were delighted to learn that their suggestions, ‘Sammy Salt’ and ‘Olaf Snow Free Roads’ would be emblazoning the side of two of our bright orange gritters whilst eight-year-old Sandy Lowe from Keiss Primary School in Wick came up with the winning name, ‘Blizzard Wizard’.

‘Sammy Salt’, ‘Olaf Snow Free Roads’ and ‘Blizzard Wizard’ join the 115 strong fleet that plays an integral part in delivering BEAR Scotland’s winter service. And the winning pupils, along with their classmates, were thrilled to get the chance to meet the 32-tonne eight-wheelers in all their glory!

Eclipsing other vehicles in the teachers’ car park, the orange gritters parked up at the schools, allowing pupils to have a look at the impressive piece of machinery and have their photo taken with it. Some pupils even had the chance to sit in the cab to get a feel for what it would be like to be one of the many gritter drivers employed to help keep the North West’s roads safe.

‘Blizzard Wizard’, ‘Sammy Salt’ and ‘Olaf Snow Free Roads’ join other comically named spreading vehicles in the BEAR Scotland winter fleet, including: ‘Sled Zepplin’, ‘Sir Andy Flurry’, ‘William Wall-Ice’ and ‘BEAR Chills’.

Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director, said: “We were very impressed by the creativity and wit shown by the youngsters who entered our gritter naming competition this year– they certainly gave the judging panel a chuckle. It has been a pleasure to go out and visit schools and give the children the chance to see these huge vehicles up close.

“Comical names like ‘Ready, Spready, Go!’, ‘Plougher O’ Scotland’ and ‘Gritz Crackers’ are not just a great way for us to engage with the local communities that we serve in the North West, they also help to raise spirits and humanise the important work that our team delivers around the clock throughout the winter season.

“We’re well prepared as weather conditions change over the coming weeks, but would like to remind members of the public to plan ahead before setting off, leave more time for journeys and, ensure that their vehicles are well maintained for wintery conditions and stocked with emergency supplies.”

Olivia Bremner, P1 – 4 teacher at Bower and Keiss Primary Cluster said: “Thank you so much for organising the visit. All of the children, especially Sandy, absolutely loved it and we are very grateful for the beanie hats!”

Emma Hepburn, Principal Teacher of Luncarty Primary School said: “We would like to say a huge thank you for arranging the visit of Sammy Salt. It has been the highlight of the term so far!

“We would like to extend a special thanks to Darak, the gritter driver, who was very kind and accommodating to us – especially in helping all of the children onto the driver’s seat!”

To see where ‘Sammy Salt’ ‘Olaf Snow Free Roads’, ‘Blizzard Wizard’ and all their friends are working this winter season, check out the gritter tracker.

For more information on how we’re keeping Scotland moving during the colder weather, visit our winter portal.