Scott Asks Scottish Fire Minister to Stop Government Fire Service Cuts

Shetland MSP is asking Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill to explain why Shetland fire stations are set to close. Speaking after the Northern Fire Board papers were published showing that there is an immediate threat to local fire services Tavish Scott is now writing to the Justice Secretary demanding an immediate explanation.

Tavish Scott said, “Shetland’s fire cover is set to be drastically cut back. The sole reason for that is the Scottish Government’s fire centralisation plans which will force a single national fire service for the whole of Scotland. It is therefore no surprise that local fire stations across Shetland are threatened with closure. Local contractors will lose work on new planned and previously agreed fire stations and the immense dedication of many local volunteers will be dispensed with by the Scottish Government. They seem to believe they know best on how to put out a fire in Shetland based on a service run from the central belt.

“I also understand that the number of local fire stations that will close across Shetland is six rather than the four that are now publicly under threat. I want the Scottish Government to come clean about the extent of their cuts to Shetland’s local fire services. I will work with local people and Shetland Islands Council in resisting these desperate centralisation cuts being imposed on Shetland. There is no doubt that Shetland’s fire cover could be put in jeopardy by these central government imposed changes.”