Tuesday February 10th 2026
Hawick Fire Station
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The future of Hawick Fire Station is hanging in the balance after a decision on proposals to downgrade services there was put on hold for six months.
Consultations have been ongoing over proposals to introduce a Day Staffing Model at the Howdenbank station.
This would result in essential fire crews only being available during daytime hours from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
The after-hours and weekend cover service would be provided by the community based on-call (formerly retained) staff.
Under the plans contingency arrangements for the entire central and southern Borders would be provided by full-time Galashiels-based crews.
Fire & Rescue bosses say these proposals are being made to make essential operational efficiencies and to address budget constraints.
But the move has been opposed locally over concerns it could lead to longer response times and cost lives.
More than a hundred concerned residents attended a public meeting in Hawick Town Hall last summer.
A final decision was supposed to be made by December 2025.
Now the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has delayed the deadline until the end of June this year.
Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has described the delay as “unacceptable”.
She said: “Local people are extremely concerned by proposals to downgrade Hawick Fire Station to a daytime-only service.
“They deserve to know what’s happening as quickly as possible.
“A commitment was made to inform the public by the end of last year and there doesn’t seem to be any good reason for moving that timeline back six months.
“Delaying this decision until after the Scottish Parliament elections in May is unacceptable. It looks like a move that has been influenced by political purposes.
“I believe Hawick Fire Station must remain a 24/7 service to ensure public safety but whatever decision is made, the public should not be left in the dark until after the election.”
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