Having now produced the draft 2006/2007 Annual Action Plan, the IRMP Team are consulting with key stakeholders throughout the Service area.

Presentations have been made recently to: IRMP Working Group; The Highland and Islands Fire Board, and Wholetime crews in Inverness. All other staff members should receive copies of the draft Annual Action Plan in the near future. Plans are in place to further consult with Community Safety Partner organisations in each of our constituent authorities.

All staff are encouraged to participate in this important consultation process. Consultation ends on 28 January 2006 . The draft Plan and consultation questionnaire can be accessed through the Service website. Paper copies can be obtained by contacting the IRMP Team on 01463 227170

If you have any such concerns, particularly if you feel that you would benefit from a visit, then please contact either a member of the unit, or the District Officer for this area based in Invergordon on (01349) 352341, who will be happy to arrange an appointment.

Joan's retirement dinner                     
                

Lyn Joynson presenting Joan with a gift from the District Office civilian staff

SPONSORED RUN. INVERNESS –NEWCASTLE

In memory of Nicola McDonald

On Friday 9 ^th September David McDiarmid and myself were joined by Alan Clark and Ricky Dibble at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness for the start of the sponsored relay run to Newcastle. Alan and Ricky had joined us for the day to help us get a good start as the remainder of the team were stuck in Edinburgh. A sterling effort by Alan who ran from Raigmore to Tomatin and then from Aviemore to just a couple of miles short of Kingussie put us in good stead and by the end of the day we were south of Dalwhinnie.

Next morning David and myself covered the distance between Dalwhinnie and Pitlochry were we were met by my brother in law Alan Rooney. Between us we then ran from Pitlochry to Perth fire Station and our home for the night. No fire service event would be complete without a few beers so after our evening meal we headed out for a 3 pints and a bit of talent spotting before retiring to bed for the night.

On Sunday morning we were joined by Alan’s good friend from the Royal Scots Eddie, and in the morning we set of heading for the far side of Edinburgh. Having completed that stretch by 13.00hrs we were ready for the next leg, Edinburgh to Jedburgh and only 58 miles to be done before tea-time. We managed this by 6.30 pm on what had been the longest and hardest day so far. Returning to Edinburgh for the evening we shocked my sister in law who asked us what we wanted to drink with our dinner. Beer came the reply from the four of us when she thought that all we would be wanting would be juice or water.

Monday morning saw us in Jedburgh with 60 miles to go to Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. Margaret, my sister in law wanted to be involved so she ran 5 miles while we sat waiting for her. We then set off doing 10 mile each firstly and then running the remaining 15 miles as and when someone could jump out of the vehicle at the side of the road to relief the person currently running.

We stopped a mile short of the hospital and ran in together to be met by Nicola’s transplant co-ordinator at the entrance to the transplant unit. After some refreshment and a chat with hospital staff, Alan and Eddie headed back to Edinburgh and duty the next morning. David and myself headed to Pilgrim Street Fire Station in the city centre and after a shower headed out for a beer and some food. Staggering back to the station at 3 in the morning with Kebabs we slept till 7 to be awoken by the stations bells soon to be followed by a fitness freak coming into the gym in which we were sleeping for his morning workout. So much for a decent sleep.

Heading back home up the A1 we realised we had completed a terrific challenge. We had each ran at least 3 marathons in 4 days and hopefully raised a decent amount of money for Raigmore and Freeman Hospitals in memory of my late wife Nicola.

All that I would ask now is for anyone who wants to sponsor us for the run to send in the money they have raised as soon as possible. Thank you.

Kenny McDonald

In what promises to be the charity’s largest singular fundraising event of the year, the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund are organising their second National Car Wash Day, which will take place on Saturday 10th September 2005. 

This event will take place on a national scale at fire stations throughout Britain.

Every station in the Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service should have received an Event Pack from Margaret Barnes, the Scottish Group Fundraiser.  This year the level of support throughout the Highlands & Islands already looks to be greater than last.  We are aiming to beat last year’s tremendous sum of £7605.86.

Adverts will be appearing in all local newspapers prior to the event and Moray Firth Radio will promote the Car Wash on the day within their broadcast area.

Nationally the car wash day will probably be the highest fundraising event for the Fund during 2005, and its importance cannot be overstated.  If 1,500 stations raise just £300 per station on 10th September, the total amount raised will be a staggering £450,000!  The money raised could potentially assist the Fund in helping thousands more Fire Service beneficiaries and their families, and will make a massive contribution towards the £2.5 million Harcombe House therapy centre appeal. 

If you have any queries contact Graham Clark or Mark Loynd at headquarters on (01463) 227000 or ask if your local station is taking part.

Please be aware that the Fire Board agreed a number of changes to take account of the new Fire (Scotland) Act.   These changes are as follows:

• The Brigade is to become a Fire and Rescue Service.  
• The agreed new name is -
              ‘HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE’
• The Firemaster is to be titled ‘Chief Fire Officer’
• The new badge is to include ‘Dion is Freagair’ ie ‘Protect and Respond’ in Gaelic.

The above changes will take immediate effect, however the introduction of new badges etc. will be phased in gradually.

For your information, I have attached a copy of the  badge and information about the new Act .

I know that many of our personnel have served for a long time with the Brigade and will be sorry to see the name change, however the title reflects our evolving role and I hope that you will embrace the change.

BRIAN A MURRAY
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

A  crew from Ness Station in the Isle of Lewis recently attended the United Kindgom Extrication challenge held in Belfast.  The team were entered in the competition following their accomplished performance in the Scottish Extrication Challenge in May this year. 

Firefighter Hugh Innes from Spean Bridge and Firefighter Vyataus Baltrunas from Fort William were presented with their Long Service and Good Conduct Medals by Firemaster Brian Murray.  The presentation took place at The Railway Club in Fort William on 1 July 2005.

.

Pictured (left to right) - Firemaster Brian Murray, Ff Hugh Innes, 
                                              Ff Vyataus Baltrunas

Personnel from Ness Fire Station, Isle of Lewis travelled to Hamilton at the weekend to represent Highland and Islands Fire Brigade in the Scottish Crash Rescue Challenge.

Issue of Storm Report of
11 & 12 January 2005

On 11th and 12th of January 2005 our area of Scotland was hit by some of the worst weather conditions that have been experienced in recent years.  Gale force winds, heavy rain and exceptionally high tides all combined to produce devastating conditions that caused severe problems for communities.

In their time of need the public turned to the Fire Brigade and, whilst other organisations ceased to operate, we rose to the challenge and did everything that we possibly could. Working as a team the Brigade handled large volumes of calls and helped hundreds of people

Keen to learn from the events we have compiled a report that provides a factual account of the Fire Brigade response to the many calls for help. The report gives an insight into the scale of the emergency faced, including damage to much of the infrastructure of the Highlands and Islands. It outlines serious internal challenges faced when the communication networks failed in several areas.  It also provides an insight into the sheer scale of the flooding and what this meant to communities. However, most importantly it clearly defines the excellent response of Highland and Islands Fire Brigade.

I am very proud that, once again, the Brigade proved with actions that it can provide an excellent service to our large geographical area. However please be assured that we will utilise this report and the experience gained to learn lessons for the future.

The full report is attached for your information.

Brian A Murray

26 March 2005

Charity Car Wash at Thurso Fire Station                     

Michael Bond of Inverness Fire Station wins Scottish Fire Service Triathlon Championships

Michael Bond pictured winning the Nairnshire Challenge 2004

18 March 2005

Deputy Firemaster Tony Munro - Retirement Function

27 January 2005

Fire Fighter Mervyn Hill - Long Service Medal

1 January 2005

Station Officer Gordon Cook - Awarded MBE in New Year's Honours List