Snow and ice have been persistent across Scotland, yet Civil Nuclear Constabulary teams kept critical sites open and safe. It’s the quiet sort of public service that matters when the weather turns and remote communities can’t afford gaps in cover.

In a statement on GOV.UK, the force praised the professionalism of officers and staff at Dounreay, St Fergus, Garlogie and Torness as further storms were forecast. Policing and public safety duties continued without interruption despite treacherous travel conditions.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said officers had faced “genuinely challenging” conditions but delivered services “safely, professionally and with real determination”. Many worked longer hours, supported colleagues hit by travel disruption and pitched in for local residents.

At Dounreay, heavy and drifting snow alongside freezing temperatures made routine tasks anything but routine. Teams pulled together to keep training and operational facilities safe and usable, with staff clearing routes and taking extended shifts to keep cover in place.

At St Fergus and Garlogie, officers used specialist vehicles to keep a visible presence. They carried out welfare checks on isolated residents and helped deliver essential supplies to people unable to leave their homes.

Although conditions around Torness were less severe, officers there stayed on standby and fully prepared to respond should the weather worsen.

Across all the sites, the CNC said planning was built around officer welfare and safety, reorganising work so services could be delivered with minimal disruption during the cold snap.

For towns that live alongside these facilities, continuity matters. A steady, trained presence brings reassurance when roads are icy and bus services thin out, and it keeps vital local services steady outside the London bubble.

With more winter weather expected in January, the CNC says it is monitoring conditions closely and has plans ready to maintain policing and public safety across its Scottish sites.