Fire station in rural and remote Covid testing trial

Lochgilphead Fire Station is one of two Covid-19 testing sites introduced as part of a trial to increase access in remote and rural areas.

The trial at Lochgilphead and Thurso fire stations began on Wednesday January 6 and runs until Friday January 29 in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), which will store samples ahead of courier collection.

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: ‘With this trial, our aim is to give people with Covid-19 symptoms in these areas more consistent access to testing and to see whether this approach could be adopted across other remote and rural areas of Scotland if successful.

‘I am grateful to the SFRS, Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Council and NHS Highland for their excellent partnership working in making this trial possible and for their ongoing support throughout the pandemic.’

Assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens, SFRS director of service delivery, stressed the fire station would retain its capability respond to emergencies,

He added: ‘It is imperative that everyone in Scotland, particularly within our more rural and remote communities, has access to consistent testing.

‘We will continue to support the Scottish Government, our partners and communities wherever possible through this challenging time.’

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland in the Lochgilphead trial.