That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on reaching its bicentennial year; understands that, in 2024, the SFRS is celebrating 200 years since the creation of the world’s first municipal fire service; highlights the legacy of James Braidwood who, in 1824, was appointed as the first Master of Engines for the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment, and appreciates that this laid the foundations for modern fire and rescue services and influenced future firefighting techniques and training in Scotland and internationally; understands that statistics from the 2022-2023 period show that the SFRS has over 7,300 employees, over 1,600 vehicles, and a total of 365 fire stations that are dedicated to serving communities across Scotland, and that over 38,000 home fire safety checks were carried out within this period; notes that, to commemorate the bicentennial year, SFRS heritage trusts will hold informative and educational events throughout Scotland, and that on 23 October 2024 the SFRS will hold a special service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh; commends all those involved with SFRS for their commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland; expresses gratitude for their public service, and wishes them well in this bicentenary year and the future.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Alexander Burnett, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Russell Findlay, Kenneth Gibson, Pam Gosal, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Gordon MacDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, John Mason, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Ash Regan, Emma Roddick, Douglas Ross, Collette Stevenson, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle, Beatrice Wishart