Motorola Solutions delivers control room upgrade for Scotland’s 999 response
Iain Hoey
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What a £30 million control room rollout changes
Motorola Solutions has delivered the first live component of Scotland’s New Mobilising System, now operating across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) three Operations Control sites in Edinburgh, Johnstone and Dundee.
The first component is the Integrated Communication Control system (ICCS), delivered through a £30 million contract.
The company said the ICCS provides a telephony and radio communications platform designed for resilient operations.
The rollout followed a phased implementation supported by months of training and testing.
Control rooms and call handling changes
The new system is intended to improve how control rooms answer 999 calls.
It is also designed to improve how SFRS mobilises resources when incidents are reported.
SFRS said the ICCS phase forms part of its long-term Strategic Service Review Programme.
The service said the new system is intended to bring greater stability and resilience to mobilisation, supporting communities and operational crews.
Scale of demand on operations control
SFRS said firefighters across Scotland attended more than 74,000 emergencies last year.
The service said each emergency required one or more 999 calls.
SFRS said the new system will allow Operations Control staff to deal with day-to-day incidents effectively and efficiently.
What SFRS leaders said about ICCS
Jonathan Henderson, Assistant Chief Officer at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our Operations Control staff handles some of the most challenging situations every day.
“This new ICCS platform gives them tools to help them work faster and with greater confidence.
“Delivering the upgrade on time shows the strength of the partnership behind it, and ultimately it means the public benefits from a more resilient emergency response.”
Ministerial visit to Edinburgh control
SFRS said Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, visited Edinburgh Operations Control on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Brown said: “This modern mobilisation system, backed by record Scottish Government funding, enhances resilience, strengthens communication, and ensures that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can reach those who need them as swiftly as possible.
“It gives control room firefighters the tools they need to make critical decisions quickly and effectively, helping keep communities across Scotland safe.
“I am grateful to all those who work in SFRS control rooms for their continued professionalism and dedication.”
Motorola Solutions on delivery and next steps
Dave Shorland, U.K. and Ireland Sales Director of Motorola Solutions, said: “The control room lies at the heart of emergency response, and the staff who manage these high-pressure situations deserve modern, resilient technology to mobilise help exactly where it’s needed.
“This new platform empowers call handlers to respond to 999 calls with greater speed and clarity.
“We’re proud of our close collaboration with SFRS, defined by our shared dedication to helping to protect and save lives across communities in Scotland.”
SFRS said it will continue monitoring performance and supporting staff with Motorola Solutions.
The service said it is also preparing for future development and optimisation work.
