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The Annual Participation Measure is published by Skills Development Scotland. This publication began in 2016. The national average participation level is included in several tables, including supplementary table 1.1a – https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/publications-statistics/statistics/annual-participation-measure.

We do not have plans at this stage to ask SFRS to become a statutory consultee in planning processes for these sites however, we will of course continue discussions with SFRS on this matter as and when appropriate.

SFRS have outlined they continually review and develop their operational response to any new and emerging technology to keep communities safe and are committed to work in collaboration with key partners to ensure the highest level of preparedness for potential incidents involving lithium-ion batteries or similar storage facilities.

The Annual Participation Measure is published by Skills Development Scotland. This publication began in 2016. The Scottish Borders local authority data is available in supplementary table 1.7a – https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/publications-statistics/statistics/annual-participation-measure.

The Scottish Government supports the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as it carefully considers how to adapt to the changing risks to remain effective and efficient, with firefighters in the right place at the right time.

SFRS is undertaking a Strategic Service Review and there will be a full public consultation, commencing at the end of June. SFRS will analyse the responses to that consultation before taking decisions on which options should be implemented over the next 5 years.

The Scottish Government has increased the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Capital budget by £4 million in 2025-26 to £43 million. Decisions on how that budget allocation should be spent, between buildings, fleet and equipment is a matter for the SFRS Board.

The Scottish Government’s assessment of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) response to any incidents is informed by regular engagement (at various levels between SFRS and the Scottish Government), annual and mid-year performance reviews and HMFSI reports.

The Chief Fire Officer has provided assurances to the Scottish Government that SFRS remains ready and able to respond to all relevant non-fire related emergency incidents that may occur across Scotland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was established on 1 April 2013 so 2013-14 is the first year of funding allocation. The allocations provided to SFRS in the annual budget Acts were as follows:

I regularly meet with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer and Board Chair to discuss a variety of matters including the SFRS Strategic Service Review. I last met with the Chief Officer and Chair on 19 June 2025.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has had extensive engagement with staff who could be impacted by the Service Delivery options for change. A full 12 week public consultation will take place from the end of June where staff, stakeholders and member of the public will be given the opportunity to express their views.

SFRS takes the mental health and wellbeing of its staff seriously and have a variety of measures in place. Updates have been provided at key stages, supported by intranet resources and newsletters. Potential impacts and options have been discussed, and wellbeing support is available to all staff.

The provision of fire and rescue activity is an operational matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

SFRS will be consulting on a range of options for change as part of its Strategic Service Review at the end of June. As SFRS delivers its services on a national basis, some of these options for change will impact on rural areas and better aligning resources with risk and demand. As part of this consultation, SFRS will publish evidence and rational for the potential changes and it also plans to engage with MSPs and members of the public.