Life-saving control room “must be retained”

Orkney Islands Council is calling for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to retain its control room in Inverness.

The board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is considering a reduction in the number of control rooms in Scotland and recently deferred a decision on the future of the Inverness control room.

“The experience and knowledge held by Inverness control room staff is immense and has been acquired over a long period,” said OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle.

He added:  “The knowledge and expertise of the control room staff ensures that the response to fires and other emergencies across the region is second to none.”

Chairman of the OIC’s police and fire sub-committee, Councillor Andrew Drever, added:

“This knowledge extends to the location and availability of other key resources such as ferries, lifeboats and council pilot launches.

“Getting the right resources to the right place at the right time gives the best chance of saving lives.

“This is why it is crucial that the control room – and this expert knowledge – is retained in Inverness and why we welcome the opportunity for further consideration before the Board makes a final decision.”