Livingston schoolchildren were greeted by one of BEAR Scotland’s enormous gritters after winning a competition to come up with names for the road maintenance company’s new machines.
Both St Ninian’s and Dedridge Primary Schools were excited to see the sheer size of the eight-wheel, 32-tonne vehicle that helps keep the nation’s trunk roads safe during the winter season. Dwarfing other vehicles on site, the orange gritter parked up at the schools, allowing the pupils to have a look at the giant machine in all its glory and take photographs with it.
The visit was particularly special for three St Ninian’s Primary School pupils – Lucas McGillivray (7) at who came up with the winning name of the gritter that came to visit, ‘BFG – Big Friendly Gritter’, Mark Dunn (9) who came up with ‘Polar Patroller’ and Elenta Abeyson (11) who came up with ‘The Basil Salty’.
At nearby Dedridge Primary School, 11-year-old ASD student, Jack Hilson thought up another winning name – ‘Licence to Chill’ and was thrilled to see a gritter at his school.
These names are some of the latest named gritters to join existing favourites in the BEAR Scotland winter fleet, including: ‘For Your Ice Only’, ‘Sir Andy Flurry’, ‘Ready, Spready, Go’ and ‘Gritty Gritty Bang Bang’.
Over 800 schools were invited to take part in the competition to name 16 of BEAR Scotland’s new gritters in the South East of Scotland last year. Covid-19 restrictions meant that winning pupils did not get the opportunity to receive a school gritter visit. But now, one year on, Dedridge and St Ninian’s Primary Schools, along with a number of other schools across South East Scotland which boasted winners within their student body, are getting the chance to see the impressive machines up close.
Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director, said: “We loved the response and creativity from the youngsters that were involved in our gritter naming competition – there were some truly excellent entries. It has been a pleasure to go out and visit schools and give the children the chance to see these huge vehicles up close.
“Great names like ‘The BFG- Big Friendly Gritter’, ‘Licence to Chill’ and ‘Grit Tok’ are not just a great way for us to engage with the local communities that we serve, they also help to raise spirits and humanise the important work that our team delivers around the clock throughout the winter months.
“We’re well prepared as weather conditions change over the coming weeks, but would like to remind members of the public plan ahead before setting off on their journeys, ensuring that they leave in good time and that their vehicles are well maintained and carrying emergency supplies.
Lisamaria Purdie, Head Teacher of St. Ninian’s Primary School in Dedridge, Livingston said: “Our children were excited to welcome the BFG – Big Friendly Gritter to St Ninian’s.
“They really enjoyed seeing the gritter, learning about how it works and finding out about the driver’s job too. The children were surprised to hear that the gritters were out and about until May this year!
“Lucas was very proud to share his winning gritter name with his classmates and have his photo taken beside the ‘BFG’!”
A full list of BEAR Scotland gritters in South East Scotland:
For more on BEAR Scotland’s 177 strong dedicated winter fleet across Scotland visit – https://www.bearscot.com/winter-portal/
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