News / Council stocks up on rock salt
OVER 6,000 tonnes of rock salt has been shipped into Scalloway Harbour as Shetland Islands Council prepares for its winter road treatment.
The salt came into the village on Thursday from Northern Ireland on board the cargo vessel, with trucks on hand to offload it and transport it to the nearby Scord Quarry.
The salt will be used for equipping Shetland’s gritters over the coming months and for depots in other parts of Shetland.
Roads manager Dave Coupe said: “The proximity of Scalloway Harbour to the Scord Quarry is an advantage to help offload and store this bulk quantity of rock salt, which is enough to see us through an average Shetland winter, although we will take in more stocks if necessary.
“This stockpile of salt is a key part of our winter preparations, along with our gritters and crews around the isles to call on when necessary. I’d urge drivers to take their own steps to prepare for winter, especially by fitting winter or all-weather tyres on their vehicle if they can.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.