A new £3 million Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) training centre has opened in Perth.
Robertson Facilities Management (RFM) delivered the project, which includes a new compartment fire behaviour training (CFBT) facility – which allows for realistic operational training for firefighters and trainees to better understand how fires can rapidly develop, as well as a contaminants control unit (CCU) to reduce firefighter exposure to harmful fire contaminants.
The CFBT will reduce emissions from training activity. It has a unique feature that captures smoke and filters it to ensure fumes produced during fire training are effectively contained, treated, and cleaned before being safely released into the atmosphere, minimising any environmental impact.
The CCU facility helps embed good contaminant control practices throughout firefighter training, supporting measures that aim to reduce potential exposure risks and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of operational personnel.
Works were carried out at the live site, requiring close coordination between RFM and SFRS personnel to maintain ongoing activities while construction progressed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption.
RFM has provided planned and reactive maintenance, statutory compliance, capital projects and specialist consultancy services for SFRS since 2022.
William Heaney, regional MD – Scotland, RFM, said, “We have developed a strong partnership with SFRS over the years, working closely to understand its local and national needs and optimise its estate.
“This latest high-quality project reflects that trusted working relationship. Our team carefully managed every stage of delivery within an operational site, ensuring the works progressed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption. Service excellence is at the heart of our work, helping SFRS deliver meaningful benefits for the communities it serves.”
Ross Robison, deputy assistant chief officer and head of training at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added, “We are delighted to be opening these facilities in Perth which will improve the quality of training facilities for our firefighters for many years to come.
“This investment will help frontline crews to build the knowledge, skills and confidence required to respond safely and effectively at operational incidents. It will also reinforce the steps personnel can take to reduce avoidable exposure.
“Firefighter safety is a top priority, and this investment means we are now able to provide firefighters with even more realistic scenarios for tackling fire incidents, but in a more modern and innovative way.”
Scottish Government justice Secretary Neil Gray, commented, “I was delighted to visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s brand new £3 million training facility in Perth. It is essential that firefighters remain fully prepared to safely face all of the challenging incidents they attend and the new centre will ensure firefighters have access to the best training facilities.”
