Establishment 2000

Upgraded to 2 pumps when?

While the station was being upgraded in 2002 the crew were situated in a Portacabin in the front car park.

Official re-opening

of

Forres Fire Station

by

Councillor Iain Young

Moray Council

Representative of Grampian Fire Board

Wednesday 26^th February 2003

Overview

Forres Fire Station is situated off St Catherine’s Road and the original building was built in 1957, prior to this date Forres Fire house was situated in Tytler Street. Today Forres Fire Station provides the personnel of Grampian Fire Brigade with a purpose built facility catering for the needs of a modern day emergency service.
During 2001-2002, following capital investment of £155,000, the station was refurbished and now fulfils all the necessary requirements by providing additional space with a functional purpose in mind.
In 1929 the late Sir Alexander Grant of Logie House, donated the first motorised appliance, registration SO3998. The appliance was a welcome relief, as prior to this the fire crew turned out with an antiquated cart and minimal equipment.
The two fire appliances located at Forres today are Scania Series 3 and serve the geographical area stretching from Alves, west towards Nairn, north towards Findhorn and south towards Grantown on Spey. This comprises an area of approximately 250 square miles. In addition, Forres crews and appliances provide a backup service to Elgin and Nairn.
Retained personnel throughout the Brigade are regularly trained. Crews at Forres carry out training every Wednesday evening, allowing personnel to attain the highest levels of operational competence.

Timetable

19:00       Introduction to personnel
19:20       Official opening
                Councillor Iain Young, Moray Council
                and
                Firemaster John Williams, QFSM, BSc, MIFireE
19:30       Presentation of Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal
19:40       Optional tour of station
20:00       Buffet tea/coffee

There was a picture of Forres Main St? and of SO3998

Grampian Fire Board’s investment in upgrading Forres Fire Station will ensure that Grampian Fire Brigade continues to deliver a high quality service.
(Re-opening programme)

 Unveiling a plaque at a ceremony at Forres Fire Station last week were Moray Councillor Iain Young (right), who is also council representative on the fire board, and Deputy Firemaster David Dalziel. The event marked the official reopening of the station after a £155,000 refurbishment programme last year. During the evening, Jubilee medals were presented to some of the retained brigade. (Full story and more pictures next week).
(Forres Gazette. 05/03/2003.)

GRAMPIAN Fire Brigade lined up its finest recently for a special ceremony at Forres fire station to mark its official reopening after a major refurbishment programme carried out last year.
More than 80 guests attended the reception, where the valuable contribution made to the local community by the retained brigade of Forres firefighters was recognised and 14 of the firefighters were presented with commemorative Jubilee medals for completion of more than five years’ service.
As well as firefighters past and present, and executive brigade personnel, the reception was attended by Moray Council members, council officials, brigade chaplain Father Jim Thomson, and representatives from refurbishment contractors Darroch and Allan.
Among those who took part was former firefighter Stuart Benzies, who was given a special “presentation axe” to celebrate 32 years’ service with the Forres brigade.
Councillor Iain Young, who is a member of Moray Council’s fire board and served on the Green Goddess during his territorial army service more than 40 years ago, officially unveiled a plaque to commemorate the refurbishment programme at the station in St Catherine’s Road, which was built in 1957.
He paid tribute to the job done by firefighters and said that, along with other people in the Forres area, he owed a huge debt of gratitude to the brigade, many of whom worked full-time or ran their own businesses, yet were always ready to respond to an emergency call.
“Since I served with firefighters as part of my civil defence training, more than 40 years ago, I have had nothing but the highest regard for them,” he said. “We are grateful they deal not only with fires, but wherever they are needed, such as at road accidents and not least during flooding in Forres.
“We are aware that these jobs are carried out in addition to normal life, whether at work or play, and always with the support of their families.”
Councillor Young also reminded people that the firefighters had to give up time every week to train to the highest standards and meet all the changes required for adequate safety standards.
(Forres Gazette. 12/03/2003.)

GRAMPIAN Fire Brigade in Forres are hoping to take delivery of a new fire appliance during the summer.
Assistant divisional officer Frank Clayton said that the 1998 Series 4 Scania engine would replace the older Series 3 engine currently being used at Forres.
“The new appliance is more of an all-rounder,” he said. “It also has a much better capability than the older appliance and a higher specification.”
The new-look white appliance, which provides better visual impact for drivers, costs less to maintain and has better storage facilities. It will be redeployed to Forres from its current location in Elgin, where there will also be a new upgraded appliance.
(Forres Gazette. 12/03/2003.)

If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.

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