Wishart raises Shetland fire station needs with Scottish Government

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has raised ongoing concerns about Shetland’s fire stations with the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP during a question session in the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Wishart stated:

Regional secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, John McKenzie, found Shetland’s Bressay fire station to be and I quote:

“ ‘…the worst station I have seen in 20 years.’

“Work is urgently needed to bring these stations up to an acceptable standard for our emergency service crews.

“In advance of the winter months, what will the Scottish Government do to ensure that the fire stations in Shetland will be supported and that the facilities receive urgent attention?”

The Minister stated that she would write to Ms Wishart to follow up local concerns.

Ms Wishart wrote to Ross Haggart, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Chief Officer in May this year about the situation in Shetland. His response highlighted the national backlog in SFRS’ capital investment, which Audit Scotland described as insurmountable in 2018.

After the exchange Ms Wishart said:

“Our emergency services personnel deserve the best facilities and equipment to keep them safe. The Walls station does not have even basic facilities and firefighters cannot shower at their station after being called out to an incident.  

“The Scottish Government need to ensure that the fire service in Shetland is fit for purpose with safety for firefighters at its heart. It should turbocharge its national upgrade programme to ensure a modern service.

“I look forward to the Minister’s letter and hope we can engage in a meaningful dialogue on this issue.”