Report will “add to fears that fire station closures are on the cards” — McArthur

An Audit Scotland report will only add to fears that fire station closures are on the cards in the county, according to Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today.

He is responding to the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue best value report.

Mr McArthur said that ministers were intent on centralising a range of functions, including policing and fire and rescue services, despite the damaging impact this would have in many rural and island communities.

“This report by Audit Scotland will only increase fears in Orkney and others parts of the Highlands and Islands that fire station closures are on the cards.

“Government needs to get good value for the public money it spends, but this cannot be at the expense, in this instance, of smaller island communities who are left to cope with a downgraded service.

“My concern is that this report will be used as cover by ministers to accelerate their centralising agenda and remove retained stations from various island communities in Orkney.”

The report will be discussed at the next meeting of the Highlands and Islands Fire Board on Friday, March 30.