Fire station refurbishment enhances firefighter welfare and safety

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has completed a £2.5 million refurbishment of Newcraighall Community Fire Station in Edinburgh.

The upgrades include improved changing, cleaning, and welfare facilities for firefighters, as well as dedicated areas for study and rest.

The new layout is designed to prevent the spread of fire contaminants by introducing specific areas for handling contaminated equipment.

Firefighters are also encouraged to shower within an hour of returning from incidents.

Investment supports modernisation of Scotland’s fire service

The refurbishment is part of a wider programme aimed at modernising fire stations across Scotland.

SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Andrew Girrity, who oversees service delivery in the East area, said: “This major refurbishment of Newcraighall ensures our firefighters have access to state-of-the-art facilities that not only support their wellbeing but enhance their critical work in keeping communities safe.”

The upgrades were completed ahead of schedule and are intended to meet the evolving needs of Scotland’s fire service.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety visits Newcraighall station

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown MSP visited the newly refurbished fire station on 27 February 2025 to review the improvements.

Siobhian Brown MSP said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to see the difference that this £2.5 million investment in modern facilities is making to firefighters at Newcraighall Community Fire Station.”

She also noted an increase in capital funding for SFRS from £43 million to £47 million in the 2025-26 Budget, which will support further investment in property, fleet, and equipment.

Future investment in fire stations across Scotland

The Scottish Government’s funding increase will allow SFRS to continue refurbishing and upgrading fire stations to improve firefighter welfare and operational efficiency.

Siobhian Brown MSP said: “I look forward to seeing more examples of how investment is improving facilities for firefighters as part of SFRS’s programme of fire station refurbishments.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service upgrades Newcraighall fire station with £2.5m investment: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has completed a £2.5 million refurbishment of Newcraighall Community Fire Station in Edinburgh.

The project includes upgraded changing, cleaning, and welfare facilities for firefighters, along with areas for studying and rest.

The new layout is designed to prevent fire contaminants from spreading within the station.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Girrity stated that the upgrades will support firefighter wellbeing and enhance their ability to protect communities.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown MSP visited the station on 27 February 2025 and highlighted the government’s increased capital funding for SFRS, which will support further investment in fire stations, fleet, and equipment.

The refurbishment is part of a broader initiative to modernise fire stations across Scotland, ensuring that facilities meet the needs of firefighters and the communities they serve.