Evening Telegraph (First Edition)

Free smoke alarm help call

- BY MARIA GRAN

A FIFE family business is asking for help from the community as it looks to install smoke alarms for free in vulnerable households.

Cupar firm Milne’s Property Services specialise­s in electrical services and property maintenanc­e.

Father and son Steve and Ryan Milne understand the impact and expense of new legislatio­n introduced in February.

The new rules mean Scottish households are required to have interlinke­d smoke alarms and censors in rooms where they spend most of their time, as well as in kitchens and in hallways.

The electricia­ns started their free-of-charge scheme after being left disappoint­ed by the poor response of larger firms to the rule change.

Steve says: “We originally approached the main big players in the industry, because they advertised that they were fitting them for free.

“It turns out that two large organisati­ons are doing 21 kits between them.

“And that’s for the whole of Scotland. As a two-man business, we can do better.”

The duo got in touch with a number of local businesses to get them to sponsor smoke alarms that they will then fit for free.

Alarm manufactur­er Cavius, Dundee financial adviser Beat The Banks, and Yesss Electrical Dundee have already donated to the scheme so far.

Ryan says: “We will fit every sponsored alarm free of charge. So the more sponsors we get, the more alarms will get fitted.

“We’ve had some installs already last week and we’ve got more booked for the weeks to come.”

Milne’s Property Services has used social media to ask customers and sponsors to nominate households in need of installati­ons.

The duo are installing smoke alarms across Tayside and Fife, but operate throughout Scotland and are open to contracts anywhere in the country.

So far, Ryan and Steve have visited a number of elderly, disabled and vulnerable people who simply are not able to afford getting the new alarms.

“Even though you can DIY install it, we always recommend that people check with their insurance company, because they should be certificat­ed by somebody who is competent,” says Ryan.

“For every installati­on that we do as part of this scheme, we will be providing an insurance approved installati­on certificat­e.”

In the lead up to Father’s Day, which falls on 19 June this year, The Courier and Evening Telegraph want to pay tribute to the dads out there who have loved, supported, taught and doted upon their children.

Over the past two years or so, families have been kept apart and we have sorely missed our loved ones, so now is a great time to show your dad just now much he means to you.

We want to hear about other father figures too – perhaps an uncle, family friend or grandfathe­r has been there for you like a father over the years and you want to show them how grateful you are. Get in touch to submit a special message wishing them a Happy Father’s Day and share your tribute with the world!

This is a gift which can be kept for years to come; it is a keepsake which can be treasured like a love letter.

If your father or grandfathe­r has sadly passed away, paying tribute to them in their local newspaper could bring a smile to your siblings’ or parents’ faces. It is a reminder that he is always with you and will always be remembered.

It really is one of the most thoughtful gifts you could give this year. You can write your own message for just £7, perhaps include his favourite lyrics or a poem you know he loves. And you can include your favourite picture of the pair of you for £10.

Your personal message can be printed any time in the lead up to Father’s Day but the deadline for your requests is 12:30pm on 17 June.

Give your team a call on the number below and give your dad a Father’s Day surprise he will never forget!

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 ?? ?? Steve and Ryan Milne with the smoke and heat alarms they are fitting in homes for free.
Steve and Ryan Milne with the smoke and heat alarms they are fitting in homes for free.

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