North Ayrshire Council has carried out its annual winter dry run this month as it gets ready for the colder months.

Roads staff took part in the exercise as part of preparations to keep roads, footways and communities safe and accessible during severe weather.

It follows a meeting of Cabinet at which councillors approved the Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2026/27.

The plan outlines how the authority will respond to snow, ice, flooding and other weather-related challenges over the winter period.

The Council has a statutory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice endangering pedestrians and vehicles, and undertakes extensive planning each year to ensure resources, staff, vehicles and equipment are ready before winter conditions set in.

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For the coming season, 6,000 tonnes of salt are stored at the Goldcraigs Depot and a further 2,400 tonnes on Arran, with levels monitored and replenished as needed throughout winter.

The winter fleet comprises 14 gritters supported by snow ploughs, tractors and specialist equipment, with 41 drivers and additional operational staff available to respond. Around 565 grit bins are positioned across the area to bolster community resilience and help residents keep local routes safe.

Priority gritting routes, developed using thermal mapping technology, concentrate on strategic roads, bus routes and key transport links most likely to be affected by freezing conditions. Daily weather forecasts and road condition monitoring inform treatment decisions to ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most.

Beyond winter road maintenance, the Council also operates flood protection measures in Largs and Saltcoats year-round, including the deployment of flood barriers and gates during severe coastal weather events.