Private school's volunteer fire service gets its first new engine

SCOTLAND'S most exclusive firefighting unit – manned by the teenage pupil volunteers of Gordonstoun School – is to receive its first new fire engine in its 68-year history.

The unit at the private school in Moray owes its beginnings to a senior pupil who formed a one man firefighting unit at Gordonstoun in 1942 and responded to call-outs with nothing more than a small car with a ladder sticking out the window and a bucket and spade.

And since its formation the volunteer unit has depended on second-hand fire appliances to perform its various roles in the area.

But it was revealed yesterday that a new fire appliance is to be handed over to the unit tomorrow by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service. The new Mercedes Vito light van appliance will replace one of the unit's two second-hand vehicles.

A spokeswoman for the rescue service said: "The internal layout of the van has been designed by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service workshops to ensure that all the equipment is of a first-class standard."

Richard Devey, who heads the fire unit at Gordonstoun School, said: "Gordonstoun Fire Station is delighted to have worked closely with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service in the design and purchase of our wonderful new Vito appliance.

"The Vito will enable us to double the number of drivers at the station and will give us far greater flexibility when responding to calls."

David Dalziel, Grampian's Chief Fire Officer, said: "We are delighted to have worked with the school in developing and purchasing this purpose-built vehicle.

"Our transport department designed an emergency response vehicle to meet the specific needs of the unit in Gordonstoun and it's yet another example of what can be achieved through close partnership working.

"We are proud to be associated with the school and the work they do on our behalf, protecting local communities and offering the young men and women there the opportunity to be Grampian firefighters."