News / More fire fighters needed
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has urged more islanders to train as fire fighters to help save local fire stations from closing.
Mr Scott said he was “encouraged” after speaking with deputy chief Stewart Edgar of the Highlands and Islands Fire Service about the threatened closure of stations on Whalsay, Fair Isle, Bressay and in Walls.
The MSP said Mr Edgar had been “refreshingly direct” about the challenges the fire service faces and could offer no guarantees that stations would remain open.
Mr Scott said: “Shetland is fortunate to have many people who give up their time to man the local stations. I want to encourage more Shetlanders to come forward given how important the service is to the islands.
“More trained men and women mean that a local station is much safer as the reviews across the highlands and islands take place.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.