Scottish Fire and Rescue Service invests in modern facilities

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has completed a £1.6 million upgrade of Dingwall Community Fire Station, marking the second phase of a £4.6 million investment to improve fire station facilities in the Highlands.

As reported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Chief Officer Ross Haggart unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Dingwall station to commemorate the refurbishment, which follows the completion of a £3 million upgrade at Inverness Community Fire Station earlier this year.

The upgrade at Dingwall included essential repairs and installation of new welfare and decontamination facilities, aimed at enhancing the safety and wellbeing of firefighters.

These facilities, which include locker and drying rooms and a “zoning system,” ensure firefighters have appropriate spaces to clean and manage equipment after incidents.

Chief Officer emphasises safety and wellbeing

Chief Officer Ross Haggart highlighted the importance of the upgrades, stating: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount, and I am proud of the improvements we’ve carried out at our Dingwall and Inverness stations.”

He added that the facilities support the vital work of firefighters in protecting the community and represent part of an ongoing commitment to modernising SFRS facilities across Scotland.

Haggart described the investment as critical for providing state-of-the-art amenities that will enable firefighters to safely perform their roles.

He further noted the importance of ensuring that community fire stations are equipped to support both current and future personnel with appropriate facilities.

Community support for upgraded facilities

Area Commander Michael Humphreys, Local Senior Officer for Highland, welcomed the Dingwall refurbishment, describing it as “a major milestone in our wider investment in improving facilities across the Highlands.”

Humphreys noted the significance of the improvements in supporting firefighters and enhancing their ability to provide a high level of service to the local community.

The upgraded facilities at Dingwall and Inverness will benefit the region’s fire safety services for years to come, according to SFRS.

Elected officials, community members, and SFRS leadership attended the formal reopening event at Dingwall on Monday, 28 October.

Among the attendees was Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, who commended the improvements and expressed gratitude for the ongoing contributions of on-call firefighters.

Local officials commend the upgrades

Councillor MacKenzie voiced his appreciation for the upgraded facilities and the impact they will have on local fire service operations.

He said: “It was great to be invited to visit the newly upgraded Dingwall fire station and speak to the firefighters about how the new facilities will enable them to continue to deliver lifesaving work within our communities for years to come.”

He added that the improved station might encourage more community members, including women, to consider careers in fire services.

The SFRS’s investment in modernised facilities reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing operational readiness and supporting the needs of staff and the communities they serve.

The Dingwall and Inverness station refurbishments are part of a wider plan to address infrastructure challenges faced by the service.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service completes Dingwall fire station refurbishment as part of £4.6 million Highland estate modernisation: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has completed a £1.6 million refurbishment of Dingwall Community Fire Station, marking the second phase of a £4.6 million investment aimed at upgrading its Highland estate.

Chief Officer Ross Haggart led the reopening event, highlighting the importance of modern facilities to support firefighter safety and operational readiness.

The upgrades at Dingwall and Inverness fire stations include new welfare amenities and decontamination areas designed to improve firefighter safety.

Local officials, including Councillor Graham MacKenzie, attended the event and praised the enhancements.

This initiative is part of a broader SFRS strategy to modernise fire stations across Scotland, addressing infrastructure needs and ensuring community safety.