Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Overhauls 30+ Stations in £20 Million Modernisation Drive

Scotland's fire service has greenlit a comprehensive restructuring of more than 30 fire stations following a national Service Delivery Review, with investment exceeding £20 million aimed at modernising facilities and optimising emergency response capabilities. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service board endorsed the proposals on Monday, representing the largest overhaul in years after a 12-week public consultation that generated more than 3,600 responses across 40 engagement events.

New Stations and Infrastructure Changes

The modernisation programme includes construction of two new two-pump fire stations in Glasgow and East Lothian, replacing existing single-pump facilities. The Glasgow station will be located at Cowcaddens, while the East Lothian facility will be built at Tranent, with both replacing outdated equipment at Yorkhill and Musselburgh respectively. The investment aims to provide modern amenities for firefighters while addressing changing emergency risks across communities.

Closures and Service Adjustments

Five fire stations that have remained unstaffed and dormant for extended periods will close permanently: Crianlarich, Fetlar, Nethy Bridge, Ratagan, and the Isle of Muck. Three additional stations—Colintraive, Corriecravie, and Kerrera—remain under review pending further consultation with volunteer personnel. Meanwhile, four stations affected by structural concerns with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) will transition to day-shift operations to permit essential building upgrades. These sites include Hawick, Helensburgh, Cumbernauld, and Milngavie.

Equipment and Staffing Modifications

Appliance provision will shift at multiple locations. Wholetime appliances will be removed permanently from Hamilton and Govan, while Springburn and Balmossie will each lose one appliance. However, services will expand elsewhere: appliances previously withdrawn under temporary 2023 arrangements will return to Kingsway East, Maryhill, and the new Cowcaddens station. Combined aerial rescue pumps at Dunfermline, Perth, and Greenock will be replaced with dedicated high-reach appliances, formalising arrangements temporarily in place for two years.

Outstanding Infrastructure Challenges

Despite the modernisation agenda, reports have highlighted significant facility concerns. Gourock Fire Station requires substantial upgrades or potential replacement to accommodate modern decontamination facilities and dignified working conditions, though financial constraints may limit immediate action. The fire service faces a reported £800 million capital works backlog nationally, raising questions about timelines for promised improvements. A 2024 survey classified Gourock as in poor condition, with maintenance and repair costs exceeding £100,000 since 2020 alone.