A new fire training centre for the Western Isles has opened.
The facility at Stornoway airport will avoid the need for local retained fire fighters to leave the islands for training which will not only save money but in turn benefit local employers who will not lose staff for lengthy periods of time.
It is hoped it will encourage more islanders to join up.
Some district fire stations -
Using simulated controlled blazes, the facility allows personnel to practice skills tackle fierce flames in burning buildings while experiencing intense heat and extreme temperatures, as well as the procedures for locating and rescuing casualties in the virtually zero visibility of thick smoke.
The new training base is part of a £3.5 million investment in the Western Isles, with a major refurbishment to Stornoway fire station next year.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) joined forces with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd to develop the facility for both retained fire fighters and airport fire personnel across the islands.
SFRS chief officer Alasdair Hay said: “This latest investment is more good news for the north service delivery area.
“These strategically placed training facilities will reduce the need for our staff to travel unnecessarily and present the service with significant savings in the future.
"We are working with tighter budgets every year and projects such as these demonstrate the service’s commitment, not only to the safety of our firefighters and residents, but also that we are making savings and delivering best value to our communities.”
George Farquhar, chief fire officer for HIAL airports, said: “By developing shared training facilities at Stornoway Airport, we not only deliver better value for money but also provide more rounded training for HIAL and SFRS personnel.
"Working together and sharing best practice allows both teams to gain new skills and enhance their existing capabilities.”
Separate works at Stornoway fire station include refurbishment and and extension for training and office accommodation.
New fire-
25 November 2015