Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

The Project

Morgan Sindall Construction delivered a programme of four fire station refurbishments across Scotland for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service through the SCAPE Scotland Framework. With much of the fire service estate ageing and in need of modernisation, the works transformed facilities at Inverness, Dingwall, Newcraighall and Galashiels, creating safer, more dignified environments that support firefighter wellbeing and operational effectiveness.

Delivered on time and within budget, the £8.1 million programme upgraded decontamination, welfare and changing facilities while maintaining full operational capability at every station. Alongside the physical improvements, the projects generated £1.8 million in social value, supporting local businesses, communities and skills development across Scotland.

The Challenge

With almost half of Scotland's fire stations considered to be in poor or bad condition and much of the estate more than 30 years old, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service needed to modernise key facilities while maintaining uninterrupted emergency response operations.

The programme was designed to improve firefighter wellbeing, meet modern decontamination standards and create more inclusive, dignified facilities for all personnel. The challenge was further complicated by the requirement to carry out works within fully operational stations, ensuring there was no disruption to frontline services at any point.

Our Approach

Following the successful completion of the first phase of works at Inverness Fire Station, Morgan Sindall was reappointed by Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to continue the programme of upgrades across Scotland.

Delivered through the SCAPE Scotland Framework, the programme focused on reconfiguring station layouts to align with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Station Design Guidelines. Dedicated cleaning and decontamination zones were introduced to help firefighters remove harmful contaminants before entering clean welfare areas, improving health and safety standards across the estate.

Careful planning and close collaboration with operational crews ensured all four stations remained fully functional throughout construction. Temporary welfare facilities were installed where required, while regular communication and phased delivery enabled firefighters to continue serving their communities without interruption.

Delivering Modern Facilities Across Scotland

Inverness Fire Station

Completed in August 2023, the £1.8 million refurbishment delivered new decontamination facilities, shower and wash areas, changing rooms, storage facilities and upgraded welfare spaces. The project also enhanced training, kitchen, dining and administration areas, creating a modern environment for station personnel.

Dingwall Fire Station

The £1.5 million extension and refurbishment transformed internal facilities through the creation of new dignified welfare areas, dedicated equipment storage zones, drying rooms and shower facilities. The project also included a full roof replacement to staff accommodation areas.

As an added community benefit, Morgan Sindall and its supply chain donated and installed a fully fitted kitchen, significantly enhancing facilities for firefighters and community users.

Newcraighall Fire Station

Completed ahead of programme in December 2024, the £2.3 million refurbishment delivered upgraded changing, cleaning and welfare facilities, alongside dedicated study and rest spaces. The modernised layout fully aligned with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service design standards and supports improved firefighter wellbeing.

Galashiels Fire Station

The £2.5 million Galashiels project was the most technically complex of the programme. Alongside new welfare and decontamination facilities, the works included remediation of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within the appliance bay. A specialist secondary timber support structure was installed across 240m² of roof area, extending the lifespan of the building while maintaining uninterrupted station operations.

Sustainability and Social Enterprise

Sustainability and social value were embedded throughout the fire station refurbishment programme, ensuring benefits extended far beyond the physical improvements to the buildings.

At Inverness Fire Station, thermal imaging surveys were used to identify heat-loss areas and improve the building's energy performance. Targeted insulation improvements and measures to minimise air movement helped reduce heat loss, creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment for station personnel.

The programme also embraced circular economy and social enterprise principles. Across all four stations, lockers and drying racks were manufactured by inmates at HMP Barlinnie Prison, supporting skills development, employability and rehabilitation while delivering a high-quality product for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

Working through the SCAPE Scotland Framework, the project teams collaborated with local stakeholders to develop bespoke Social Value Charters tailored to the needs of each community. This approach ensured social value outcomes were meaningful, measurable and delivered where they could have the greatest impact.

Collectively, the programme generated £1.8 million of social value, with 51% of project spend directed to businesses within 20 miles of the sites, 58% of the workforce drawn from local communities, and 81% of the contract value spent with SMEs.

The teams also supported a wide range of charitable, educational and community initiatives, including blood donation campaigns, school career events, work experience placements, apprentice opportunities, donations to homelessness charities, the creation of community growing spaces and sensory learning environments, and support for local community groups and social enterprises. These activities helped create a lasting legacy across the Highlands, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders while strengthening relationships between the fire stations and the communities they serve.

Client Feedback

Ross Haggart, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, said:

The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount, and I am proud of the improvements we've carried out. These upgrades ensure our dedicated staff have access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities that support their critical work in protecting the local community. Overall, the improvements we've carried out represent a significant investment into our Highland estate and is the latest part of a comprehensive refurbishment plan across Scotland as we continue to address challenges we face with our ageing estate. Our people are the very heart of what we do, and our community fire stations must be fit for our current and future staff, with appropriate facilities and safety measures in place.”

Michael Humphreys, Area Commander, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, said:

The completion of works at Dingwall Fire Station marks an occasion where we can show that we've invested in our estate and also shown that we've got facilities here to, hopefully, encourage more female firefighters to join the fire and rescue service.”

Andrew Girrity, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, said:

This major refurbishment ensures our firefighters have access to state-of-the-art facilities that not only support their wellbeing but enhance their critical work in keeping communities safe.”

Craig Hoy, Local Member of the Scottish Parliament, said:

It was a real pleasure to visit the newly refurbished fire station. I would like to thank the team for taking the time to show me the improvements and the new safety measures.”

Derick Graham, Watch Commander, Dingwall Fire Station, said:

On behalf of the crew at Dingwall Fire Station, I would like to thank you and Morgan Sindall for supplying and fitting our new outstanding fully fitted kitchen. Considering the kitchen was not part of the refurb and was in a very sorry state due to its age, I cannot thank you enough for stepping in and providing this excellent feature.”