URGENT UPDATE: The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has issued a stark warning that further cuts to Scotland’s fire service could jeopardize lives. As Finance Secretary Shona Robison prepares to unveil the Scottish Government’s draft budget on January 13, 2026, union leaders stress the need for immediate funding to protect communities.
Since the establishment of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in 2013, nearly 1,250 firefighter jobs have been eliminated, representing a staggering 16% of the workforce. Meanwhile, the SFRS budget has suffered a real-terms reduction of approximately £84 million, alongside a capital backlog exceeding £800 million. This deterioration has left many fire stations unfit for purpose, raising alarms about public safety.
Union officials highlight that emergency response times have escalated by 90 seconds, rising from under seven minutes to nearly eight and a half minutes since 2014. This decline poses a serious risk to the safety of residents, businesses, and homes across Scotland.
Proposals in the SFRS ‘Service Delivery Review’ have sparked intense opposition. Suggested measures include the potential closure of fire stations and reductions in fire cover across major locations such as Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde, and the Scottish Borders. Community leaders, local councils, and MSPs have united in demanding that Robison prioritize funding for the fire service.
John McKenzie, Scottish Secretary of the FBU, stated,
“This week Shona Robison has the opportunity to do what previous Finance Secretaries have failed to do and put the safety and wellbeing of communities first.”
He continued, “This Scottish budget is critical for the future of Scotland’s firefighters. We cannot take any more cuts. Budget cuts mean fewer firefighters, which leads to increased response times and greater risks to public safety. In short, cuts cost lives.”
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government affirmed, “We are investing record funding in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2025-26, recognizing the vital role it plays in keeping communities safe.” The spokesperson insisted the investment ensures the SFRS is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
As the budget announcement looms, the FBU and community advocates will be closely monitoring developments. The call for increased funding is more critical than ever, as the potential impact on public safety looms large. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation that could affect the lives of many across Scotland.
