Trunk road maintenance firm BEAR Scotland announces up to 50 new jobs

Up to 50 new jobs are being created as part of the increased maintenance of motorways and other trunk routes in south east Scotland.

BEAR Scotland, which looks after main roads across the region for the Scottish Government will increase the number of highway maintenance operatives by a quarter to up to 200.

Their work includes gritting roads and footpaths, grass and tree cutting, and gully cleaning, road sweeping and clearing litter.

They also repair potholes and safety barriers, and lay out cones and road signs.

Extra gritting will require additional staff. Picture: BEAR Scotland

The new recruits will be based at BEAR’s depots Rosyth, South Queensferry, Bonnyrigg, Burghmuir near Linlithgow, St Boswells, Eyemouth and Chryston near Moodiesburn.

These cover routes such as the M9, eastern section of the M8, and the A1 and A68 to the Border.

The move follows BEAR Scotland winning an eight-year contract to maintain the region’s 314-mile trunk road network, which includes more than 750 bridges such as the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge.

A spokesperson said: “We’re recruiting additional highway maintenance operatives to meet the requirements of Transport Scotland’s new maintenance contract for the trunk road network in south east Scotland.

The number of Trunk Road Incident Support Service vehicles has increased from two to seven. Picture: BEAR Scotland

"This contract is designed to bring an enhanced level of service, including improved resilience measures aimed at ensuring consistent, predictable and reliable journeys.

“The new contract specifies an improved level of winter service, including the precautionary treatment of footways and more overnight patrol routes.

"Trunk Road Incident Support Service coverage has increased, with seven vehicles now in operation across the south east, as opposed to three between the two previous contracts.

“Our resources to respond to emergencies on the network have also increased.”

South east unit senior operations manager Alasdair Allen added: “Roadworker jobs provide good opportunities for overtime, a varied workload and the opportunity work in some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.

“Whatever your background and level of experience, we’re keen to hear from you.

"We provide on the job training for most roles, including apprenticeship options.”

BEAR Scotland describes itself as an alliance of Eurovia UK, Jacobs and Breedon Group

It also holds the trunk road maintenance contracts for the north east and north west of Scotland and employs a total of 440 highway maintenance operatives.

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