A Highlands and Islands MSP has called for urgent improvements to funding, training, and facilities for firefighters serving some of Scotland’s most remote communities.
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess raised the issue while speaking in the Scottish Parliament, warning that current conditions are falling short of what firefighters and communities deserve.
She praised firefighters for their bravery and commitment, particularly in rural areas where crews cover vast distances and operate in difficult terrain.
“Firefighters do an amazing job keeping people safe.
“But they are being asked to do more with less money and fewer staff.
“That isn’t fair on them, or on the communities they protect.”
She told Parliament that since 2013 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has faced a real terms reduction of £58 million each year.
More than 1,200 firefighter posts have been lost over the same period, putting sustained pressure on staffing levels across the service.
Ariane highlighted that Inverness is the only full time fire station covering the entire Highlands.
Across the region, 51 retained stations and 9 community response units are responsible for protecting huge and often isolated areas.
She said retained and community firefighters are essential to local safety but are being asked to work in unacceptable conditions.
“Retained and community firefighters are vital in the Highlands and Islands,” Ariane said.
“But many of their stations don’t even have basic things like toilets, showers, proper changing rooms or even internet access.
“That’s not acceptable.”
She also raised concerns about growing demands on firefighters as climate change leads to more wildfires and flooding incidents.
Ariane said training for these emergencies is inconsistent, with some crews deployed to wildfires without the specialist preparation required.
Firefighters have also raised concerns about unsuitable equipment, including all terrain vehicles that struggle in rough landscapes and basic kit that wears out too quickly.
Ariane praised the Fire Brigades Union for its work on firefighter safety.
She highlighted the union’s DECON campaign, which aims to reduce exposure to toxic smoke and chemicals, and referenced the decontamination unit in Inverness that was largely funded by the FBU.
“Firefighters have a higher risk of certain cancers than the general population,” Ariane said.
“The FBU’s work to keep them safe is incredibly important and deserves full support.”
She said Scotland must look at fair ways to raise additional funding for essential public services.
Ariane pointed to Scottish Greens budget measures including taxes on private jets and high value properties as examples of how this could be achieved.
“Firefighters are always ready to help us,” she added.
“We must make sure they have the money, training, and equipment they need to do their job safely wherever they serve.”
