One of Scotland’s most remote fire stations has issued an appeal for help - in a bid to recruit new volunteers.
Drummore - the most southerly fire station in the country - has just five firefighters at the moment and is asking for potential new colleagues to drop in for a “chat”.
The picturesque village in Dumfries and Galloway offers stunning sea views and has a population of around 300.
It is around a half-hour drive from Portpatrick, and the tiny fire station is deemed as being “essential” to the community.
Watch Commander Irving Beck and his team respond to emergencies via an on call pager system.
Irving, who’s day job is being a farmer, has volunteered in the fire service for 26 years.
The father-of-five said:”It’s very important that people understand what we have here – and the importance of keeping it here.
“But we need more people within the community to come and have a chat with us, have a look at the station and hopefully join.
“Being a volunteer firefighter can help you develop your career.
“The training you receive with the Service is the best of training and can be used within the job or out with in other roles.”
The appeal is now featured on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.
New recruit Gabriel Clarke, 19, joined as a volunteer in October.
He was inspired to serve by his mum, who herself worked for the emergency services.
He said “My mum worked as a paramedic for over 13 years and this instilled in me the importance of emergency services.
“I grew up being told about the different ideals and work the emergency services provide – that drove me to join my local fire station.
“It’s a job with great responsibility.
“As a firefighter you can be attending an incident during someone’s darkest hour – you’re the helping hand.
“Mum’s very proud “
Station Commander Joe Shepherd is in charge various stations in the area, including Drummore, and says local fire provision is integral to village life.
Firefighters not only respond to incidents but carry out a range of prevention work to support people to stay safe.
Station Commander Shepherd said: “We are constantly trying to recruit – this is the most southernly fire station in Scotland, so having this resource here is essential.”
Volunteer firefighters must be over the age of 18, live within a short distance of their local station and have the permission of their primary employer.
The appeal has gone out now as part of Volunteers Week.
