THE UK’s most northerly fire station was handed over to the community on Saturday when councillor Alastair Cooper performed the official opening in Baltasound.
The £220,000 investment into converting and equipping an existing industrial building will give the island of Unst an “optimum level” of services, according to the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire services on the island have now relocated from a small garage near the Nikkivord Lea housing estate to Hagdale, where the new station accommodates a fully equipped, modern appliance, which significantly enhances the capability of the local fire crew.
Mr Cooper, who represents Shetland on the Highlands and Islands Fire Board, said: “The board are committed to continue to improve fire & rescue provision in the more remote parts of the service area through substantial capital investment.
“In 2010/11, the board will invest over £1 million in the Shetland Islands, with planned asset developments at Scalloway, Whalsay, Sandwick and Sumburgh.”
The Baltasound fire station is one of 16 retained station across Shetland.
Assistant chief fire officer Mike Holme added: “The provision of these new facilities not only allows us to deliver a higher level of service to our communities, but also to enhance the well-being of our personal, our most reliable asset.
“From here, they are able to deliver not only emergency response, but also community safety advice.”
The first fire fighting equipment to be based in Baltasound was located at “A. Sandison & Sons”, Northside. This consisted of trays of canvas hose, branches, a hand pump and former WD hard hats.
The staff made up the voluntary crew. Later a small shed was located across from the Baltasound Post Office. This contained hose and a small pump. The equipment had to be transported in whoever’s vehicle was available.
For a long period, the RAF stationed at Saxa Vord assisted with fire cover throughout Unst until their ultimate departure in 2006. Also from the late 1970s until 1996, the Baltasound Airport Fire Service responded to incidents if available.
Today, the Baltasound fire station with a crew of ten although there are vacancies within the team.
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