First for local fire service as training completed in Orkney

Video: Training being carried out at Kirkwall Fire Station on Thursday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reached a major milestone this week as a group of new recruits from Orkney completed their training here in the county.

New recruits from Orkney formerly had to travel to the Scottish Mainland to undertake the service’s two-week training course.

Group Manager with the SFRS in Orkney, Paul Edwards, explained that it is hoped holding training courses in Orkney will encourage more local people to join up and increase crew numbers at stations across the country.

He said holding training locally will mean new recruits spending less time away from their families and jobs, as they can return home after training days and at weekends.

Four of the new recruits, who officially completed their training on Friday, will be based at stations in the Orkney mainland, while four more will serve at stations on the outer isles.

A further training course is to be held in Orkney, in October, if there is enough interest. Anyone interested in becoming a retained firefighter can get in touch with their local station or the District Office at Kirkwall on 01856 875428.