Impact of Plans for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Mid Scotland and Fife

That the Parliament recognises the vital role of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in protecting communities across Scotland, and the continued hard work and dedication of firefighters and other emergency service workers; notes with concern the plan to withdraw a number of fire appliances on a temporary basis at 10 fire stations across Scotland, including in Mid Scotland and Fife; understands that the removal of appliances at Methil, Glenrothes and Dunfermline, alongside the removal of the high reach vehicle from Kirkcaldy, means that Fife is being disproportionately affected by the move; notes the reported community concerns that the removal of these appliances will have an adverse impact on communities in Mid Scotland and Fife; recognises what it considers to be the pressures on the SFRS budget as a result of inflationary pressure and real terms cuts to its resource budget; notes that recent assessments of the condition of the fire estate have highlighted that a number of stations are in need of repair and upgrade work, and is concerned that the removal of fire appliances is the latest consequence of what it sees as the underfunding of the SFRS over a number of years, and urges the Scottish Government to further consider funding arrangements for the SFRS, and to meet with the SFRS to discuss how to ensure the continuation of service provision at current levels.