Saving energy sees Comrie station top table

Reducing energy waste has earned Comrie Fire Station the number one spot in a UK- wide environmental competition.

It was one of three Scottish fire stations that finished in the top 10 of the Green Action contest.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) nominated 10 stations to enter this year and crews worked hard to cut their gas and electricity costs over the winter months.

Firefighters based in Comrie managed to save £1826 from fuel bills, a 62 per cent reduction compared to winter 2018/19.

Watch Commander Ben Liversedge said: “It was a fantastic effort from the whole crew throughout the duration of the competition.

“Green Action has certainly made everyone at the station more mindful of energy waste and the steps that can be taken to reduce this, such as dialling down the heating, switching off lights in empty rooms and closing windows and doors.

“The result shows what is possible through simple behavioural changes.”

The top 10 also featured South Lochs (Isle of Lewis) in second place and Shotts (South Lanarkshire) in at number five.

Sixty-seven stations in the UK participated to see how small actions can impact on the energy used in buildings and reduce carbon emissions.

SFRS sustainability manager Kenneth Blake commented: “This is only the second year SFRS has taken part in this competition, so to have an overall winner is brilliant.

“The success of all the stations that took part highlights our commitment to this issue.

“As a public sector organisation, we have pledged to reduce our carbon emissions by six per cent each year for the next decade.”