**Project Case Studies**
The delivery of modern, state-of-the-art facilities
Inverness Fire Station (Phase 2) | £1.8mScottish Fire & Rescue Service
Following the successful delivery of emergency service facilities at Inverness Fire Station in 2022, Morgan Sindall was reappointed to upgrade its dignified facilities.
The new design—believed to be the first of its kind for Scottish Fire and Rescue—features designated cleaning and decontamination zones, allowing firefighters to fully remove toxic fire effluents before entering a ‘clean’ zone. Additionally, the scope of work included upgrades to the station's welfare, office, and administration facilities to improve functionality and comfort. To minimise disruption, the work was carefully sequenced with the crew deployed periodically. Modular temporary facilities were also installed to ensure the station remained fully operational.
Refurbishment of the fire station’s dignified facilities
Live environment
Completed July 2023
On time and within budget
10/10 client satisfaction
87% local labour (<20m)
85% local spend (<20m)
100% of payments to supply chain made within 15 days
45/45 CCS Score
RIDDOR free
Architect | Gauldie WrightPM | AtkinsRealisC&S | FairhurstMEP | RSP Consultant
Dingwall Fire Station | £1.5mScottish Fire & Rescue Service
The extension and partial refurbishment of Dingwall Fire Station marked a significant upgrade, with works aiming to enhance retention and attract new recruits to the service.
To help reduce firefighters' exposure to harmful contaminants, the project reconfigured internal spaces and introduced dignified facilities, including designated areas for used and clean equipment. A dedicated locker and drying room were installed, and hygiene facilities were expanded with four shower pods. Additionally, the staff quarters underwent a comprehensive roof replacement.
Lessons learned from the delivery of Inverness Fire Station helped improve efficiency, contributing to a top client satisfaction score and a defect-free finish.
Station extension and refurbishment
Completed September 2024
100% defect free
73% local labour (<20m)
70% local spend (<20m)
91% of payments to supply chain made within 15 days
43/45 CCS Score
Architect | Gauldie WrightPM | AtkinsRealisC&S | FairhurstMEP | Meta Consulting
The completion of works at Dingwall Fire Station marks an occasion where we can show that we’ve invested in our estate and also shown that we’ve got facilities here to, hopefully, encourage more female firefighters to join the fire and rescue service."
The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount, and I am proud of the improvements we’ve carried out. These upgrades ensure our dedicated staff have access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities that support their critical work in protecting the local community."
Newcraighall Fire Station | £2.3mScottish Fire & Rescue Service
Following the successful handovers of Inverness and Dingwall fire stations, Morgan Sindall undertook extensive works to modernise Newcraighall Fire Station with state-of-the-art facilities.
The station now features new and improved changing, cleaning, and welfare facilities for firefighters, as well as dedicated areas for studying and rest.Aligned with the SFRS Station Design Guidelines on contaminant control and dignified facilities, the new layout enhances efforts to prevent the spread of fire contaminants from incident grounds to the station. Dedicated areas for contaminated kit have been introduced, and crews are encouraged to shower within an hour of returning to reduce exposure.
Station refurbishment
Completed December 2024
Delivered on budget and ahead of contract programme
9.5/10 client satisfaction
10/10 score for quality
51% local labour (<20m)
49% local spend (<20m)
95% of payments to supply chain made within 15 days
Architect | Gauldie WrightPM | AtkinsRealisC&S | FairhurstMEP | RSP Consulting
This major refurbishment ensures our firefighters have access to state-of-the-art facilities that not only support their wellbeing but enhance their critical work in keeping communities safe."
Galashiels Fire Station | £2.5mScottish Fire & Rescue Service
As with the other three fire stations delivered for Scottish Fire & Rescue, the internal layout of the station was reconfigured to align with SFRS policy on contaminant control and dignified facilities.
This included the installation of new and improved changing, cleaning and welfare facilities for its firefighters, as well as dedicated areas for studying and rest.
In addition to the main works, a RAAC concrete remediation scheme was also delivered to the appliance bay area of the building. 240sqm of roof surface was subject to the installation of a timber secondary support system to stabilise the concrete RAAC panels and ultimately extend the lifespan of the building.
Completed February 2025
9.5/10 client satisafaction
45/45 CCS score
21% local labour (<20m)
87% SME engagement
£590k social value return
93% of payments to supply chain made within 15 days
Architect | Gauldie WrightPM | AtkinsRealisC&S | Fairhurst MEP | RSP Consulting
It was a real pleasure to visit the newly refurbished fire station. I would like to thank the team for taking the time to show me the improvements and the new safety measures.
Drawing on many years of delivering blue light facilities, we have refined a set of key learnings that consistently shape our approach.
These insights are not just lessons from completed projects; they are embedded into our planning, design, and delivery from day one, ensuring each blue light facility benefits from proven methods, robust processes, and practical knowledge gained on the ground.
The following considerations highlight what we now bring to every blue light project - helping ensure they are delivered efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to essential emergency services.
Our dedicated Special Works division delivers high-quality results on blue light projects, with the agility, focus, and technical know-how to meet the sector’s unique operational needs.
Thorough, in-person site surveys by our design team, enabling accurate planning, reducing unforeseen issues, and supporting a smoother construction programme.
Our trusted supply chain is experienced in the specialist requirements of blue light facilities, ensuring we can respond quickly with quality, compliant solutions.
Strong relationships with operational crews mean we understand their routines and priorities, with work programmed to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of services.
Overall, the improvements we’ve carried out represent a significant investment into our Highland estate and is the latest part of a comprehensive refurbishment plan across Scotland as we continue to address challenges we face with our ageing estate.Our people are the very heart of what we do, and our community fire stations must be fit for our current and future staff, with appropriate facilities and safety measures in place.
