Renfrewshire's fire supremo has quit for a top post with an English brigade.
Jim McNeil is hopping across the border to Northumberland after bagging the Assistant Chief Fire Officer role.
He was Johnstone-based while in command of fire operations for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
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The chief has put in 24 years and nine months with the fire service in Scotland, including in Ayrshire where he lived.
His last Scottish command saw him cover a population of 350,000, from seven full-time stations and four retained bases with a staff of 320.
He had been in the Renfrewshire job for 11 months.
The new role has 16 fire stations covering a 319,000 population and he will be based in the Cramlington headquarters.
Unlike in Scotland, the service is run by the area council and has a staff of 462.
Jim said: “I'm really looking forward to working with my new service, working closely with the senior leadership team and our staff to deliver our vision of making Northumberland safer.
“It’s also exciting being part of Northumberland County Council – working in collaboration to keep our communities and residents safe and well.”
Paul Hedley, NFRS Chief Fire Officer commented: “I’m delighted to welcome such a talented and highly respected officer and Jim is an excellent appointment for us. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I’m sure he’ll bring real innovation and a fresh perspective to the services we deliver for our communities and partnerships.
“I’m really excited about how he will work with all of our staff and colleagues across the county council to shape and influence the future of NFRS.”
