What next for Scotland’s Fire Service?

Thursday January 15th saw Maggie Chapman MSP move a motion in parliament on 'A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Fit for the Future'. Members of the fire brigades union (FBU) were in the gallery to hear an informed debate on a motion that enjoyed cross party support. From all the parties there was rhetorical support for the fire service and those that work in it.

But words do not equate to resources. FBU Scotland had been left unhappy with the budget settlement agreed earlier in the week. The debate allowed the issue of resources to be returned to alongside the potential negative impacts of the ongoing Service Delivery Review, discussed below. 

The firefighter's union is understandably concerned with the pay and conditions of its members. Given the jobs undertaken health and safety is paramount. Maggie Chapman has been a keen supporter of the FBU's DECON campaign. Firefighters are at greater risk from cancer, heart attack and stroke. The ongoing campaign looks to challenge this. 

But in recent months, the union has also been focussed on working alongside communities to oppose the negative impacts on the Service Delivery Review, the Fire and Rescue Service's plan to change the shape of the service. In the parliamentary debate Cumbernauld,

Lochgelly, Hawick, Marionville (Edinburgh) and Balmossie were all referenced alongside others.

Many stations could be closed or downgraded. Response times will be increased. Risk will be transferred to those firefighters left to respond. 

The realities of geographies with increased populations, part-time stations, night-time dangers, distances in the Highlands, floods and wildfires were all illustrated by MSPs, drawing

on the experience of their communities. 

Opposition to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s proposals was made clear in the parliament. And in the later part of 2026, it was made clear across Scotland's communities. At Balmossie this was particularly the case.

The review undertaken on behalf of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is now closed. The outcome of this public engagement was initially expected at the end of 2025. And then again, early this year. With changes in the membership of the SFRS Board now taking place decisions look to be further delayed. This made responding to the debate difficult for Siobhan Brown the Scottish Government Minister. 

Democratic Left Scotland has been following the work of FBU Scotland over a number of months now. It now looks as if any implementation of the Service Delivery Review will take place beyond the election in May. This offers the public an opportunity to make clear to politicians that the fire service needs more than rhetorical support. Our fire service needs the resources to ensure it is fit for the future. 

Published 17 January 2026