Public consultation on proposals that could see up to 13 fire stations closed

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched a public consultation on proposals that could see up to 13 fire stations closed.

In all, the SFRS has set out 23 different options for change across the fire service in Scotland, which it says is needed to match staff, stations and resources to “operational risk and demand” across the country.

The proposals, which cover 14 different local authority areas and involve more than 30 fire stations, also include plans to repair or rebuild stations in some areas, and transfer some staff and vehicles to “more effective” locations.

The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks, with the SFRS saying it wants “as many people as possible” to submit their views on the proposed changes.

Chief officer Stuart Stevens said: “We have an opportunity for the first time since our national service was formed in 2013 to review how we provide our emergency service every minute of the day, every day of the year.

“Building a modern fire and rescue service that is fit for purpose is the reason we are bringing these proposed changes forward.

“We recognise that these 23 options represent a significant level of change. However, we have a duty to ensure that the right resources are in the right locations to meet new risks that exist within today’s communities.

“We also need to spend public money wisely. We have a backlog of repairs in our buildings, fleet and equipment that would cost more than £800 million to address and this just isn’t an option available to our service.

“Therefore, along with the need for sustained investment we need to consider how we operate and reduce running costs for assets that are not serving our staff or communities.

“We must also be able to adapt to meet current and future risks, such as those posed by extreme weather events or wildfires.”

The service said eight of the fire stations slated for closure have been “long-dormant” due to recruitment difficulties for on-call firefighters in rural locations.

Meanwhile five city fire stations – two in Edinburgh, two in Glasgow and one in Dundee – had been identified as potential closures or mergers because of low demand, or because they are close to other facilities that SFRS said could provide effective cover.

The proposals also include the implementation of a daily shift pattern for firefighters in some areas, which would see full-time staff work from 8am-6pm, supported by on-call firefighters outwith these times.

They would be assisted by the creation of a “nucleus crew” in two locations – Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire – which could be deployed “tactically” across an area as required.

Permanent solutions are also being proposed following the temporary withdrawal of 10 appliances in 2023, including in Perth & Kinross, Fife, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow.

Mr Stevens added: “These options have been developed over many months involving staff, trade union representatives and other stakeholders.

“There will be a 12-week period to give people time to submit their views on the changes.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to participate in public consultation process.”

Further details of the consultation can be found on the SFRS website.