Fire service unveils new £1.2m training facility at Kirkwall Airport

A new “hot fire” training facility for firefighters has been unveiled at by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at Kirkwall Airport Fire Station this week.

Yesterday, Tuesday, saw the official opening of the new £1.2 million carbonaceous training unit, which the SFRS said will be vital in supporting firefighters across in the county, allowing them to train in temperatures up to 600°C.

The facility, which has been delivered in partnership with Highlands & Islands Airport Ltd, follows the introduction of similar specialist units at Stornoway and Sumburgh airports.

Chief officer Alasdair Hay and the chairwoman of the SFRS Board, Kirsty Darwent, did the honours, opening the new facility yesterday morning.

Chief officer Hay said: “Today’s official opening marks the culmination of a long-term strategic plan to deliver a truly outstanding facility for our firefighters across Orkney. They are committed to their communities, responding at a moment’s notice to protect at times of emergency – and we are clearly fully committed to them.

“This significant investment will provide our firefighters with the modern resources and training required to keep standing on that front line and I commend their unwavering dedication. Crucially, this training facility will also reduce the requirement for local firefighters to travel off-island to undertake training – making the process far smoother for those wishing to join our fantastic service.”

He added: “I cannot commend the efforts of our retained firefighters enough — they are the life-blood of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the heart and soul of their communities. Their dedication and selflessness is inspirational — they dedicate their free time to saving the lives of others and deserve the very best.

“It is therefore right and proper that they are supported, trained and equipped to keep their communities safe. This new facility represents not only an investment in the development and training of our firefighters — but also a clear commitment to ensuring the safety of Orkney’s communities.”

The issue of keeping firefighter numbers up at Orkney’s stations has been an issue for some time, with some areas in the county faring worse than others. In the past, much of the training had to be done on the Scottish mainland, however, the SFRS have managed to do more and more here in Orkney. Local MSP Liam McArthur has said he hopes the opening of the new facility will go some way to FURTHER addressing the recruitment issues.

Delivery of the new facility follows a sustained campaign by Mr McArthur and many others, the goal of which has been to persuade Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of the need for more training to take place locally.

Speaking after yesterday’s opening, which Mr McArthur attended, he said: “One of the main obstacles to recruiting and retaining crew in retained fire stations in Orkney has been the travel and time involved in undertaking training. For many living in the smaller isles, this has simply not been compatible with other work and family commitments.

“Speaking to retained firefighters locally, I am aware that this new training facility is already making a difference by allowing more of the required training to take place closer to home, enabling more island residents to consider taking on these roles.

“I am therefore grateful the SFRS has been able to respond positivity to the calls that I and many others have been making over recent years. Further work still needs to be done to put our network of vitally important retained fire stations on a more stable footing. These new facilities, however, are a big step in the right direction.”