75th Anniversary
His Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) came into being in 1948, created by the Fire Services Act 1947 which saw the responsibility for fire services move from a national service to local authority control. The first HM Inspector for Fire Services in Scotland was Angus D. Wilson and the first inspection report covered the period of 16 May 1948 to 31 December 1949.
Over the course of the past 75 years there have been many notable changes to the fire and rescue service and the manner in which it is delivered in Scotland. The Inspectorate however has continued throughout that period to provide independent and impartial scrutiny and assurance to Ministers, and the people of Scotland, that the fire service is operating in an effective and efficient manner.
Since the appointment of Angus Wilson in 1948 there have been a total of 15 Chief Inspectors at the head of HMFSI. Chief Inspectors are appointed by Order in Council and hold a Royal Warrant allowing them to operate with complete independence in the pursuance of their duties.
As the current incumbent of this office it gives me great pride to celebrate the occasion of our 75th anniversary and to look forward to the future. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is held in high regard and delivers a first class service to the communities it protects. We are proud to be associated with the Service and firmly believe that our programme of proportionate and risk based inspection can provide assurance and recommendations that will assist in the journey of continuous improvement.
Robert D Scott QFSM
HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
To view our 1949 inspection report Click Here