North of Scotland’s new fire chief to get tough on flooding.

SERVICE: David Farries intends to oversee changes to meet flooding risks

The north of Scotland’s new fire chief has vowed to work to protect vulnerable communities throughout Tayside from flooding.

It’s a responsibility that David Farries intends to take seriously as large swathes of the region have been devastated in recent years.

He will oversee a huge and diverse area that stretches from Perth and Kinross to the Western and Shetland Isles.

The veteran firefighter has vast experience of assisting some of Scotland’s most rural communities at times of emergency.

He commanded the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service frontline response during Storm Frank, which battered Tayside and other parts of Scotland.

And he hopes to oversee changes that will enable Scottish Fire and Rescue to better serve cities, towns and villages across the country.

In July 2015, a “one in 200 years” flood tore through Ayth, destroying footbridges and deluging homes, many of which were uninhabitable for months.

Storm Frank, in December that year, was the cause of widespread damage in Ballater and in the Angus communities of Eassie, Nevay and Kirkinch, Tannadice, Glamis and many more.

Three days of torrential rainfall wrecked homes and destroyed roads, causing £1.4 million worth of damage.

It is estimated that the cost of repairing damage to Comrie alone has amounted to around £2m a year over the past decade, with the floods of 2012 particularly notable.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Farries said: “The north of Scotland is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of not only in the UK, but the world.

“I am keenly aware of the risks that face our communities and how they continue to change, and I intend to ensure that we meet these risks through service transformation combined with the full weight and resources of our national service.”

Mr Farries started his career as a firefighter in the City of Edinburgh area, before playing a key role in the establishment of the area’s fire investigation team.

The appointment comes after the fire and rescue service launched its new £2.5m, north operations control centre in Dundee last month.

I am keenly aware of the risks that face our communities and how they continue to change ... DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OFFICER DAVID FARRIES

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer David Farries is the new fire chief for the north of Scotland.