Scottish Fire Service Overhaul Brings Major Changes to Over 30 Stations, Including Gourock

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) board has approved a significant overhaul affecting more than 30 fire stations across the country, following a 12-week public consultation that generated over 3,600 responses and included 40 community engagement events. The changes, part of the national Service Delivery Review, aim to deploy resources where they are most needed in response to evolving risks, with an investment expected to exceed £20 million to modernise facilities and support future service requirements.

Among the most prominent proposals, two new two-pump stations will be built in Cowcaddens (Glasgow) and Tranent (East Lothian), replacing the single-pump stations at Yorkhill and Musselburgh. Five dormant fire stations with no current staff—Crianlarich, Fetlar, Nethy Bridge, Ratagan, and the Isle of Muck—will close permanently, while the fate of stations at Colintraive, Corriecravie, and Kerrera remains under consultation with volunteer personnel.

Gourock Fire Station is earmarked for significant upgrades or replacement as part of the review. The SFRS report states the station, classed as in poor condition in a 2024 survey, requires extension to accommodate modern dignified and decontamination facilities. Due to its small plot size, a new build on an alternative site may be financially preferable, especially if occupancy increases. Local councillors have expressed skepticism about the plan given the SFRS's reported £800 million backlog in capital works nationwide, with some predicting eventual reductions in Inverclyde fire cover.

Other changes include moving four stations affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)—Hawick, Helensburgh, Cumbernauld, and Milngavie—to a day-shift duty system for essential upgrades. Permanent changes to fire appliance provision will see wholetime appliances removed from Hamilton and Govan, and one each from Springburn and Balmossie. However, appliances withdrawn under temporary arrangements in 2023 will return to Kingsway East, Maryhill, and the new Cowcaddens station. Combined aerial rescue pumps at Dunfermline, Perth, and Greenock will be replaced with dedicated high-reach appliances, formalising temporary arrangements from the past two years. A decision on Fife appliance changes has been deferred for further analysis.

Mhairi Wylie, chair of the SFRS Board, said the review ensures resources address risk and demand with parity and fairness, and that public consultation shaped the recommendations. Chief officer Stuart Stevens described the changes as the start of a strategic redesign to improve outcomes for communities. The plans were approved following a process that saw the FBU's 'Cuts Leave Scars' campaign express concerns about potential job losses and service reductions.