Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches public consultation on 23 change options

Consultation focuses on fire stations and resources across Scotland

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has opened a public consultation on 23 options that could change how its services are delivered across the country.

According to the Service, the proposals include potential closures, mergers and relocations of staff and appliances to better align with operational demand.

The options cover more than half of Scotland’s local authorities and would affect over 30 fire stations.

Plans include the closure of long-term dormant sites, possible mergers of stations in urban areas, and investment in rebuilding or repairing other facilities.

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.”

Closure and merger options under consideration

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that eight dormant fire stations could be closed permanently, while five urban sites in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are also being considered for closure or merger.

It explained that these urban sites are located close to other facilities that could provide cover, or demand is lower compared with other stations with similar resources.

The organisation noted that some dormant rural sites contain only sheds or storage units due to long-term recruitment challenges for on call firefighters.

The consultation also includes the possibility of merging stations where alternative cover could be provided more effectively.

According to the service, these measures are intended to ensure resources are deployed in areas of highest need.

Shift pattern and crew deployment changes

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advised that one proposal is to introduce a day duty shift system in targeted areas.

Under this model, wholetime firefighters would operate between 8am and 6pm, with on call crews covering incidents outside those hours.

The service added that it may also introduce nucleus crews in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire.

It reported that nucleus crews consist of wholetime firefighters who are deployed tactically across a wider area, combining prevention work with incident response during the day when on call availability is often reduced.

The body stated that this approach would increase flexibility and resilience during periods of lower staff availability.

Addressing withdrawn appliances and investment needs

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that part of the consultation relates to the future of ten appliances withdrawn temporarily in 2023.

These appliances were based in areas including Perth & Kinross, Fife, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow.

It said that permanent decisions are now being considered following operational assessments of the impact of their withdrawal.

The service highlighted that the review also aims to address a backlog of infrastructure investment needs, estimated at over £800 million.

It stated that reviewing operating costs is necessary given limited funding for repairs and fleet replacement.

Stakeholder involvement in developing proposals

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “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.”

The service explained that the consultation is part of its commitment to engage with communities and partners before decisions are made.

It added that input from staff and representative bodies has already informed the options presented.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service commented that it intends to use public feedback to refine proposals and guide decision making.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The consultation highlights operational and resource allocation changes that could influence local emergency response capacity.

For fire and safety professionals, the proposals demonstrate how services are adapting to changing risk patterns, including climate-related incidents.

The process provides insight into how decisions on station closures, crew deployment and investment priorities are considered within a national fire service framework.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches public consultation on 23 change options: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has launched a public consultation on 23 proposed changes.

The consultation includes possible closure or merger of more than 30 fire stations.

Eight long-term dormant rural sites and five urban sites in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are under review.

Other proposals include rebuilding, repairs, relocations and changes to crew deployment.

The service is considering introducing day duty shifts and nucleus crews in specific areas.

A decision is also required on the future of ten appliances withdrawn in 2023.

The service estimates it has an £800 million backlog of infrastructure investment.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and invites views from the public.

Staff, trade union representatives and stakeholders have contributed to the proposals.

Feedback will be used to inform decisions on the service’s future delivery.