The vehicles, funded from the council’s Fleet Capital budget, will replace ageing winter maintenance gritters.

‘Modernising our fleet by buying the new vehicles is an investment that will help us provide our communities with an efficient and reliable service over the coming winter months,’ said Cllr Ken Gowans, chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.

‘These new top-of-the range vehicles have all the equipment to make them as efficient as possible when carrying out the work.’

He added: ‘The first significant winter weather of the season last week affected communities across the Highlands.

‘The new fleet of snow ploughs will have an important role in making sure we are able to provide our communities with the best service we can within the resources available.’

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