Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan earlier today attended the opening of the newly refurbished Stornoway fire station and community room.
 
The station, which was originally opened in 1953, has undergone a major 12-month renovation programme. This represents a near £3 million investment in the Western Isles.
 
As well as being a fully operational station, the new look building now boasts modern training facilities, including lecture rooms, as well as district management offices.  A Community Room will also be available for use by local residents.
 
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
 
“It was fantastic to be at the opening of the newly revamped fire station early this morning.
 
“We deeply value the work that Firefighters do. They are among the most courageous and dedicated public servants that we have, as was obvious from the demonstration of their work which we saw today.
 
“The significant investment that has gone towards this new facility will allow firefighters to work and train in a modern and well equipped environment. It will also allow firefighters from across the Isles to spend less time away from families or employment whilst undergoing training.
 
“It is worth noting the comments of the Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Pat Watters, about the fact that £600,000 of the £3 million investment had to go to HM Treasury in the form of VAT. Scotland is the only part of the UK in which the UK government requires the fire service to pay VAT, and I would share Mr Watters feelings about this."