Perth’s bid to become the permanent power base of Scotland’s fire service is gaining momentum.
A year on from its formation, the national Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has still to decide on where to establish its headquarters a factor that many believe to be in Scotland’s newest city’s favour.
Since the eight regional fire services were amalgamated, the organisation has been operating successfully from temporary headquarters in Perth, giving the city an edge over its rivals, according to campaigners.
While Perth and Kinross Council and two other local authorities are locked in negotiations with the SFRS board, local politicians are pressing for the temporary status of Perth to become permanent.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, a member of the community safety committee for Perth and Kinross who sat on the joint board of Tayside Fire and Rescue for 14 years, claimed it is imperative that the headquarters remain located in Perth.
“I am aware that no decision has been taken as yet to the future of the headquarters of the SFRS but I am also aware that Stirling and Falkirk Council are being considered as possible locations,” he said.
“We were all delighted when it was announced that the interim headquarters would be in Perth but it is up to each and every one of us to play our part to ensure that this facility does not disappear from Perth.
“The Tayside Fire Brigade was seen as sector-leading. It had the opportunity to pioneer many pilots that were then rolled out across Scotland and Perth played a huge part in securing that reputation. Therefore it is only right and proper that it is given the recognition of being the headquarters for the new Scottish single service.”
MSP Murdo Fraser backed the campaign to confirm Perth as the headquarters.
“As far as service continuity is concerned, it makes perfect sense to establish the permanent base in the same location as the temporary base,” said Mr Fraser.
“The newly-created single Scottish Police Force is based at Tulliallan in Fife, demonstrating the benefits a central location offers.
“Perth has ably hosted the SFRS for its first year and I would hope that a speedy decision is made to make Perth its permanent base.”
Perth and Kinross Council also believes that Perth would be the right location.
A spokesperson said: “We were delighted when the new national SFRS chose to locate its interim headquarters in Perth. We believe the decision underlined the significant advantages that the city offers businesses, such as its central location and excellent transport links.
“We are committed to providing the fire and rescue service with all the support they need to establish an effective base with us in Perth and so we were more than happy to discuss sharing accommodation with them.
“Working in partnership is vital in ensuring that resources are used as efficiently as possible for the benefit of our communities.
“Sharing a building with the SFRS has brought important new opportunities for collaborative working.
“No decision has yet been made on the national headquarters, and the council has lobbied hard for the HQ to stay in Perth. We are hopeful that, whatever the decision, the Whitefriars office will be kept on by the SFRS, bringing jobs to Perth and allowing our collaborative work to continue.”
A spokesperson for the SFRS said there was no timescale for when the decision on a permanent location would be made and added: “These discussions are ongoing.”