Scottish fire stations’ shake-up following major review

Yorkhill, which has one full-time pumping appliance will close and the second full-time appliance at Maryhill will be reinstated.

In Hawick, one pumping appliance which is currently crewed by full-time firefighters during the day will now be crewed outside those hours and at the weekend by on-call firefighters.

Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said she believed the Hawick decision had been made because of budget pressures rather than public safety.

“It has also failed to take proper account of future developments in the area, including the planned Center Parcs resort,” she said.

“The case for retaining a full-time service at Hawick Fire Station is overwhelming.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has made the wrong decision, and it will put public safety at risk.”

Henderson said: “Hawick as a station is not closing. It will continue to operate as a 24/7 fire service cover.

“We’re just changing the model of how that is provided.

“Yorkhill is a reconfiguration of resources around the Glasgow area to try and make the most sensible use of the resources that we have in those areas.

“But the communities won’t see a reduction in the service they receive.”