Further delay for decision on controversial fire service shake-up at Fife stations
A controversial fire service shake-up, which could hit several stations in Fife, has been pushed back again.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has confirmed that no final decisions on proposed changes to more than 30 fire stations across Scotland will be made until after the Scottish Parliament election in May - with outcomes expected by the end of June.
Fire chiefs were due to discuss the recommendations from a consultation at its board meeting in December. That was delayed into the start of 2026, and it will now be pushed back into mid summer.
The service is looking to make permanent the changes it made in 2023 - and that could see stations in the region emerging as winners or losers.
It includes a proposal to cut the number of appliances at Lochgelly and Methil Fire Stations from two to just one each - the second appliance at Methil was one of the ones temporarily withdrawn in the last shake-up. Lochgelly could also lose its specialist rope rescue capability which is one of only four such units in Scotland.
The plans for Lochgelly sparked the biggest backlash with Annabelle Ewing MSP branding the proposal to leave just one appliance as “unfathomable.”
Scotland wide, the SFRS’ consultation received more than 3,700 responses from the public, staff and stakeholders. Statutory restrictions prevent public bodies such as the fire service from making significant announcements or policy decisions during the pre-election period, which commences in March.
At the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice committee meeting this week, Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “Regrettably, it is not feasible to complete the remaining work and internal governance processes before the pre-election period begins.
“I can confirm that recommendations on the SDR options will be made to the SFRS Board following this period and final decisions will be made by the end of June.”
He added: “We recognise the uncertainty this delay may create for communities where changes are proposed. However, this is a complex process, and it is essential that we take a robust and considered approach.”
He warned the committee balancing the budget for 2026-27 remains incredibly challenging for SFRS.
He said: “The draft budget for next year along with the Scottish Spending Review, which is forecasting flat cash settlements for the following two years, potentially creates a significant resource funding gap for the service.
“Discussions are ongoing as to how we can achieve a balanced budget this year and where additional savings can be made. Whilst the financial situation is challenging, we will do everything we can to protect our frontline services and prioritise the safety of our staff and the communities we serve.”