Giving Back to the Local Community
Client: Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS)
Sector: Blue Light
Project Value: £8.1m
Framework: SCAPE Scotland Construction framework
“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."
Andrew Girrity,
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
In 2024, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) launched an online survey to gather public input on the future of the emergency service.
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens emphasised the need for the service to adapt to evolving risks and address significant challenges related to its ageing infrastructure.
Nearly half of the fire stations in Scotland were classified as either in 'bad' or 'poor' condition. Additionally, with two-thirds of the stations over 30 years old, it was noted that many of these fire stations also lacked essential facilities, such as dedicated locker rooms, proper restroom amenities, and adequate shower areas.
Fire stations in Inverness, Dingwall, Newcraighall and Galashiels were identified for extensive refurbishments and modernisation, as well as upgrading welfare facilities and ensuring compliance with contamination guidelines to safeguard firefighter health.
Morgan Sindall Construction successfully delivered the upgrades through the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework. The projects were completed on time and within budget, achieving an impressive average client satisfaction score of 9.7 out of 10.
Importantly, all four stations were completed without disrupting ongoing emergency operations.
The Morgan Sindall delivery team worked on four fire stations: Inverness Fire Station, Dingwall Fire Station, Newcraighall Fire Station, and Galashiels Fire Station. Each project contributed to the improvement of local emergency services and showcased the team's commitment to quality construction.
- Inverness Fire Station (Phase 2) | £1.8m: After successfully delivering emergency service facilities at Inverness Fire Station in 2022, Morgan Sindall was reappointed to upgrade essential amenities. The new design, believed to be the first of its kind for SFRS, includes designated cleaning and decontamination zones. These areas allow firefighters to completely remove toxic fire residues before entering a “clean” zone. Additionally, the project enhanced the station's welfare, office, and administration facilities to improve both functionality and comfort.
- Dingwall Fire Station | £1.5m: The extension and partial refurbishment of Dingwall Fire Station represented a significant upgrade aimed at improving retention and attracting recruits to the service. To reduce firefighters' exposure to harmful contaminants, the project reconfigured internal spaces and added essential facilities. This included designated areas for both used and clean equipment, as well as a dedicated locker and drying room. The hygiene facilities were enhanced with the addition of four shower pods. Furthermore, the staff quarters received a complete roof replacement, ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment.
- Newcraighall Fire Station | £2.3m: Significant modernisation of Newcraighall Fire Station was carried out to improve changing rooms, cleaning areas, and welfare amenities for firefighters, along with dedicated spaces for studying and relaxation. Adhering to the SFRS Station Design Guidelines for contaminant control and dignified facilities, the new layout is thoughtfully designed to prevent the spread of fire contaminants from incident scenes to the station. Dedicated areas for contaminated equipment have been introduced, and crews are encouraged to shower within an hour of returning to reduce their exposure to harmful substances.
- Galashiels Fire Station | £2.5m: The station's internal layout was reconfigured to meet SFRS contaminant control policies and provide better facilities for firefighters. This included new changing, cleaning, and welfare areas, along with designated spaces for studying and resting. Additionally, a remediation scheme for Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was implemented in the appliance bay, involving a timber secondary support system for 240 square meters of roof surface to stabilise the RAAC panels and extend the building's lifespan.
In managing the construction across the four fire stations, care was taken to sequence the work effectively, ensuring minimal disruption. The crew was deployed at strategic intervals, and modular temporary facilities were set up to keep the stations fully operational throughout the process.
Insights gained from the completion of each station helped enhance efficiency, resulting in high client satisfaction and a flawless finish.
Procured through the SCAPE Scotland framework, Morgan Sindall successfully completed all four fire stations on schedule and within budget, achieving an impressive average client satisfaction score of 9.7 out of 10.
Equally noteworthy is the fact that all fire stations were delivered without disrupting ongoing blue light operations. The combination of SCAPE's fast tracked delivery model and Morgan Sindall's extensive experience in blue light projects now establishes a proven blueprint for future developments.
Social value and community legacy
During the refurbishment of the four fire stations for the SFRS, Morgan Sindall Construction actively engaged with local communities by making a range of thoughtful donations and participating in volunteer efforts.
Every contribution, was genuinely appreciated, had a meaningful impact, and added real, tangible benefit:
- In Galashiels, donations supported Just Cycle CIC with 22 bikes, a sensory room for Burgh Primary School, and household starter kits for the Fresh Start Initiative.
- In Inverness, the project team spread festive cheer with children’s Christmas gifts and an incredible donation of 20 pints of blood to the local donor centre.
- At Newcraighall, surplus furniture was gifted to Emmaus to support homelessness and international aid projects.
- While Dingwall benefited from a donated new kitchen for firefighters and the wider community.
Social value outcomes
This project has been submitted by Morgan Sindall Construction for Scotland as part of the collaborative Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report (2024). This report captures the latest insight into the regional and national trends in social value delivery, learn more here.
£1.9m
Social value delivered
30
Charitable volunteering hours
£4,800
Charitable donations
£26,609
Social enterprise spend
In collaboration with:
Project gallery
Fresh Start Initiative (Galashiels)
Hike and Bike Club (Galashiels)
Hike and Bike Club (Galashiels)
Fresh Start Initiative (Galashiels)
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For the public sector
SCAPE Scotland Construction frameworks can deliver projects of any size and complexity and are supported by an extensive local supply chain.
Social Value in Construction
Benchmarking Report
SCAPE's annual report in collaboration with Social Value Portal that captures the latest insight into the regional and national trends in social value delivery.