URGENT UPDATE: The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warns that further cuts to Scotland’s fire service could jeopardize public safety and lead to loss of life. As Finance Secretary Shona Robison prepares to unveil the Scottish Government’s draft budget on January 13, 2026, union leaders are sounding alarms about the dire consequences of continued financial reductions.
The FBU reports a staggering loss of 1,250 firefighter jobs since the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was formed in 2013. This represents a significant 16% reduction in workforce, alongside a real-terms budget cut of nearly £84 million. Furthermore, the SFRS faces a shocking capital backlog exceeding £800 million, with many fire stations deemed unfit for service.
Fire response times have already suffered, increasing by an alarming 90 seconds since 2014, moving from under 7 minutes to nearly 8.5 minutes. Union leaders assert that proposals in the SFRS ‘Service Delivery Review’ threaten to close fire stations and reduce fire cover across key locations, including Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde, and the Scottish Borders.
John McKenzie, Scottish Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, emphasized the critical nature of this budget. “This week, Shona Robison has the opportunity to prioritize community safety. We cannot afford any more cuts,” he stated. “Fewer firefighters mean longer response times, and longer response times increase the risk to public safety. In short, cuts cost lives.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government maintains that they are committed to investing record funding in the SFRS for the fiscal year 2025-26, underscoring the essential role the service plays in community safety. “Our investment has ensured that SFRS are ready and able to respond to emergency incidents — public safety is paramount,” the spokesperson asserted.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As budget discussions unfold, community leaders, local councils, and members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are rallying to demand that the Finance Secretary prioritize funding for the SFRS.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the budget announcement approaches, all eyes are on Shona Robison and the Scottish Government. With lives at stake, the pressure is mounting for a commitment to adequate funding for Scotland’s firefighters. The implications of their decisions will resonate far beyond the halls of government, impacting the safety and security of communities across Scotland.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as the situation evolves.
