Ash Denham MSP has welcomed the news that four trainee firefighters from her constituency have made history alongside 20 others in being the first to graduate from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s £10.5m state-of-the-art facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh.

The four trainees from Edinburgh Eastern – Ross Brown, Donald MacAlister, Darren McGrath, and Paul Van Rietvelde – will now join crews in the city at either the Newcraighall Fire Station or Marionville Fire Station.

The recruits will continue to hone their response and technical skills under a structured three-year training programme.

Ash Denham MSP, who officially opened the SFRS training facility at Newbridge in January, said:

“In common with our other emergency services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can be proud of the important work they are doing to keep our communities safe during the current Covid-19 emergency.

“Training is a key component in ensuring firefighters continue to have the skills and professional competencies they need to carry out their essential life-saving duties.

“I am pleased to see new recruits passing through the new purpose-built training centre in
the East of Scotland. These men and women will be a valuable addition in helping keep our
communities safe during the challenging times we are experiencing.

“And as their local MSP, I pass on my congratulations to Ross, Donald, Darren and Paul on graduating and thank them for choosing to become firefighters with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, an organisation that continues to keep Scotland safe.”

ENDS