East Renfrewshire Council’s five biggest gritters are ready for winter...after being given suitably brrr-illiant names.

More than 150 name suggestions were put forward by local residents, including primary school pupils, in response to a competition organised by council chiefs.

And, after thousands of votes were cast in a public poll, the winning names have now been revealed.

They are Brrrhead (inspired by Barrhead), Maidenchill (Maidenhill), Thaw-rnliebank (Thornliebank), Weather-Lee (Whitelee Windfarm and Netherlee) and We Built This Gritty on Clarkston Toll (named after the song ‘We Built This City,’ by Starship).

Gritting crews are now on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the newly-named gritters will be out this winter as they respond to weather alerts, including freezing temperatures and forecasts for ice and snow.

Controllers get road updates from a specialist forecasting team at least three times a day.

Roadside sensors also send information to help check conditions, while weather forecast updates predict surface temperatures so staff know when salting is required.

With 4,500 tonnes of salt already in stock, the council insists it is well equipped to treat priority routes over the coming months.

Councillor Owen O’Donnell, council leader, said: “Some fantastic names were put forward for our gritters.

“I really like that all of the names chosen were based on places around East Renfrewshire, with a winter theme.

“Our gritting teams are on call throughout the winter to keep our roads moving and everyone safe.

“They treat such a wide area that it’s just not feasible for everyone’s street and pavement to be gritted. We appreciate the support we get from residents each year who are able to grit their driveways and pavements outside their homes, as this makes a huge difference.”

There are more than 168 miles of priority gritting routes across East Renfrewshire.

During normal winter weather, priority one to three routes are treated, as well as some priority four and five routes, with more information available online at https://orlo.uk/vX0JX.

Regular updates are also posted on the council’s social media channels to highlight when gritters will be treating key routes.