The Museum of Fire is to move from it’s traditional home in Lauriston Place out to Newbridge. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service say the move underlines their commitment to the museum but Green MSP Alison Johnstone says an iconic Edinburgh institution will be ‘torn apart’.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain a museum of fire in Edinburgh and gives assurances that the current museum’s assets will remain an important part of both the history of Edinburgh and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Following a strategic review, the SFRS will be moving from its facility at Lauriston, the current location of the museum, to a new purpose-built facility in Newbridge in the West of Edinburgh. This will form a new East division headquarters serving the people of Edinburgh and beyond.
The Museum of Fire tells the story of the oldest municipal fire brigade in the United Kingdom, The Edinburgh Fire Establishment which was formed by James Braidwood (pictured) in 1824.
Assistant Chief Officer, Lewis Ramsay, chair of the SFRS heritage committee, said: “We are committed to The Museum of Fire and preserving our proud history and heritage.
“As true today as it was in 1824, the primary commitment for the SFRS must be to serve and ensure the safety of the people of Scotland. This commitment is underlined by our move to a new facility in Newbridge which will better support a modern, fit for purpose service.
“We are working closely with Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council to secure a new and prominent location that will enhance the museum’s legacy, and provide visitors with an engaging and enjoyable insight to our Fire Heritage.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appreciates the work and dedication of our museum volunteers and we would welcome their involvement as we work towards identifying and developing the future home of the museum.
“The heritage and history of fire and rescue in Scotland is of extreme importance to the Service and we are committed to retaining the assets within the city of Edinburgh – the acknowledged birthplace of Scotland’s fire and rescue service.”
However the announcement has not pleased everyone – Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone has condemned the announcement that the Edinburgh Museum of Fire will be moved to a new location.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) has decided to move the iconic museum from its original home on Lauriston Place.
Museum volunteers and campaigners have resisted the move, which is planned as part of the SFRS’s rationalisation following the transition to Scotland-wide fire service.
Campaigners have also highlighted that the Museum has received minimal financial support from the SFRS over the years, and last month Green MSP Alison Johnstone lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, calling for support to the campaigners.
Ms Johnstone said: “It’s a crying shame that this iconic Edinburgh institution will be torn apart. Our city has a proud history of setting up the world’s first municipal fire service and we should do our best to showcase this history, not hide it away in the outskirts of Edinburgh.
“The dedicated volunteers who have fought so hard to keep this museum running need to be heard. We will be doing our city a disservice if we let this important historic landmark be taken away from us.”
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