By Jane Candlish
Aberdeen Press and Journal
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS, Scotland — More than 800 people are vying for just four jobs as full-time firefighters with the Highlands and Islands’ beleaguered emergency service.
The number of applicants was described last night as “huge” considering recent recruitment problems at the service.
Applications for the rare positions - at the HIFRS’s only full-time station, in Inverness - were accepted during one week in July. It was the first time in three years that there has been any recruitment for full-time firefighters. Candidates’ applications are now being scrutinised before interviews in the next few weeks.
Fire chiefs are delighted with the response to their recruitment drive, which comes as the organisation battles back from a series of management problems.
Those winning the positions will start an intensive training course at the Scottish Fire Services College at Gullane, East Lothian, in November. The residential course lasts 13 weeks and includes training on pumps, ladders and breathing apparatus, as well as community safety.
With more than 200 applicants for each position, most will be disappointed.
However, those who miss out this time round may have another chance to join HIFRS as details of suitable candidates will be kept on file for any future vacancies.
There are ongoing vacancies for retained firefighters throughout the region, including at Nairn, Drumnadrochit, Kingussie, Lairg and Broadford.
The massive response to the recruitment drive comes just a few months after an audit report revealed issues with the management of the service, which will merge with Scotland’s other fire services in April next year. Deputy chief fire officer Stewart Edgar said: “The last few months have seen the service face many challenges, and I am delighted that we have made significant strides to address these challenges.
“It is obvious from the extremely high number of applicants for these posts that Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is still held in very high esteem within the community and we are pleased to be able to provide these employment opportunities to help boost the economy of the Highlands and Islands.”
Mr Edgar added: “Candidates are currently taking part in a vigorous selection process to ensure that we continue to have the high calibre of firefighters which enables us provide the highest standard of emergency response services to our communities.”
The convener of Highlands and Islands Fire Board, Orkney councillor Andrew Drever, said: “It is really encouraging that people see the fire services as a good career to move into.
“It is unfortunate that so many people will be disappointed.”
North MSP Rhoda Grant said there had been a “huge number of applicants.”
She added: “The fire service is a good career and I imagine that, for young people who are out of work, this presented a wonderful opportunity.
“It is always difficult to get into the fire service and a lot of people are going to be disappointed.
“It is a shame that there are not more opportunities for young people at the moment.”
According to the latest figures from HIFRS, the Inverness station has 68 full-time firefighters.
During 2011-12, they attended almost 1,500 incidents, including building fires and road accidents.
The station also has a retained crew with 13 members. They attended nearly 400 incidents last year.
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