Highlands fire service an ‘exceptional case’

A warning was issued yesterday that more fire stations face possible closure in the Highlands and islands under the new single service as councillors voted to shut another two rural units.

Fears were raised that the region will be marginalised when Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service (HIFRS) merges with the other seven Scottish services on April 1.

However there are calls for the region to be treated as “an exceptional case” to ensure it continues to improve after a critical Accounts Commission report last year.

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