Tuesday November 18th 2025
Musselburgh Fire Station
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The timeline for final decisions on proposed changes to more than 30 fire stations across Scotland has been extended until after the new year, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has confirmed.
As part of its Service Delivery Review, SFRS presented 23 options for public consultation over the summer of 2025.
The 12-week consultation received more than 3,700 responses from the public, staff and stakeholders across Scotland.
The feedback is currently being carefully analysed alongside the operational evidence that informed the proposals. This detailed process is being independently supported by the Diffley Partnership.
Recommendations were initially scheduled to be presented to the SFRS Board in December 2025, however, this will now take place in the new year.
Proposals include the potential closure of eight long-term dormant fire stations, as well as Balmossie in Dundee, Marionville in Edinburgh, Musselburgh in East Lothian, and Yorkhill or Cowcaddens in Glasgow.
The options also included the implementation of a day shift duty system in targeted areas and the transfer of resources to better align to operational risk and demand.
Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt said:
“The consultation was an important opportunity to actively engage with the public to listen to their views, gather alternative suggestions, and for communities to highlight anything we may not have considered.
“We’ve been encouraged by the scale and detail of responses, and it’s essential that we take the necessary time to review and analyse all feedback. This work simply cannot be rushed.”
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