MCINNES PRAISES VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS IN TAYSIDE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Sep 2009

Speaking in the Fire and Rescue Framework debate at Holyrood this morning, Alison McInnes, North East Scotland MSP, praised the work of volunteer fire-fighters in Tayside. Commenting on the challenges facing the fire and rescue services in providing cover in remote areas, she said:

"I must mention our volunteer fire-fighters at remote stations -3 stations in Tayside are manned by volunteers - they are Kinloch Rannoch, Glenshee and Kirkmichael. Those volunteers show an exceptional level of commitment and I would like to thank them for that."

Mrs McInnes also spoke in defence of local accountability of fire services.

"I would like to pay tribute to the sterling work which our fire and rescue services provide, and urge the government to ensure that the national Fire & Rescue Framework provides only strategic guidance, encourages appropriate national standards that are enforceable but at all times respects local autonomy."