MSP's hope after shock fire report

ONE of crisis-hit Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service’s strongest critics has given her backing to moves to turn the brigade around.

Highlands and Islands Tory MSP Mary Scanlon had talks with Stewart Edgar, seconded Deputy Chief Fire Officer for HIFRS, to discuss the response to the recent highly critical Audit Commission report.

The Highland News Group has been instrumental in revealing a shocking catalogue of faults within HIFRS, including serious staff training issues and health and safety shortcomings.

This resulted in the matter being taking up by the Scottish Government in Holyrood, and a team of external fire service chiefs were called in to sort the problems out. Now, following the meeting, Mrs Scanlon says she is confident that the service is now being given the investment, training and support which has been "woefully lacking" in recent years.

"I have been given an assurance that the IT system will be fully upgraded in every station by next month and that training courses to support fire-fighters in the job they do are now being undertaken to ensure health and safety and quality standards are met," she said.

"The input and support from Grampian, Lothian & Borders and Tayside Fire and Rescue are all helping to bring the fire and rescue service in Highlands and Islands to the required standards."

Mrs Scanlon added: "The Accounts Commission have done an excellent job in highlighting the weaknesses in training, support and investment in this service and I am delighted to see that front line fire-fighters are now being given the support they need and are being valued for the work they do.

"I hope that the meeting of the fire board and the Audit Commission scheduled for April 25 will ensure that elected members on the Board give the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service the support they need to bring this service to the same health and safety standards as elsewhere in Scotland. I trust that the serving councillors on the Fire Board will ensure that the programme of improvement being pursued by the Fire and Rescue Service will be fully supported now and beyond the Council Elections on May 3."