Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to announce today that Tyndrum and Crianlarich fire stations have been upgraded to Retained status.

Having operated on a volunteer basis for many years, with a presence in Crianlarich since 1969, the role of the volunteer firefighters at Crianlarich and Tyndrum stations has evolved to the extent that their job is now indistinguishable from that of a Retained Duty System firefighter. The units at Crianlarich and Tyndrum, taken together, offer the same operational role and capacity as any RDS station within the Service.

The crews that operate in the Strathfillan and surrounding area provide a high quality service to the community and now have the added recognition and investment from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service in the rural community.

The change will facilitate an increase in the time available for training the crews allowing further development in the skills they use when attending incidents.  The change also recognises the commitment and work of the stations crews.

To increase the management and supervision of the crews two new crew managers (Brian Craig- Crianlarich, Jim Mailer -Tyndrum) have been appointed with effect from today.

The Service has also recognised the commitment of the volunteer/retained  staff with two watch managers (Allan Brodie - Tyndrum, James Allardice - Crianlarich)  being presented with `Long Service and Good Conduct` medals having completed more than twenty years service.

Chief Fire Officer Steven Torrie said " Our volunteer crews in Tyndrum and Crianlarich have provided an exceptional service to the local communities, often as the first response to serious incidents knowing that further assistance will take time to arrive. They have done this in a professional and efficient manner working closely with the other emergency services. The new retained status acknowledges the work that they do and the additional training time that will be provided as part of this upgrade will allow them to further develop their vital skills"

Joint Fire Board Convenor Councillor Craig Martin said "I would like to thank all volunteers past and present who have contributed to the Service within the communities of Tyndrum and Crianlarich. Central Scotland Joint Fire and Rescue Board is pleased to make this commitment to developing and improving the service we provide to our rural communities."