Caithness councillor praises 'fantastic' FireSkills course

Highland councillor Ron Gunn has praised those who took part in a firefighting course for young people held in Thurso.

The FireSkills youth engagement programme run by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) consists of a range of sessions aimed at providing a unique learning experience.

Councillor Gunn, who represents Thurso and Northwest Caithness and is chairman of Highland Council's Caithness Committee, was invited to see FireSkills in action at Thurso fire station.

Sessions contain links to the Curriculum for Excellence and can be delivered for a duration up to 35 hours.

"It was fantastic to see the young firefighters demonstrate the skills they learned over the course of eight days, including life-saving CPR," Councillor Gunn said.

"It was a very professional display. All the participants passed the course and received FireSkills certificates and an Employability Award SCQF [Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework].

"Congratulations to the young firefighters and well done to all the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel along with members of Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited fire service that contributed to make this course a success."

Skills that the programme seeks to develop in young people include teamwork and team-leading, problem-solving, confidence and communication, an awareness of health and safety, basic first aid and an understanding of the contribution made to communities by the SFRS and other agencies.

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