L03 BATHGATE
1 Pump, 1 Water Rescue Unit, Wholetime, 1 Pump Retained
.Stations
1936 to 1940 | Trailer kept in DR Gordon's garage. Garage supplied towing vehicle |
1940 to 1942 | Wellpark, BATHGATE. (newspaper 20/5/1942) |
1942 to 1956 | Old Mine Rescue Station, Muir Road, BATHGATE. |
17/2/1956 to 24/4/1992 | Glasgow Road, BATHGATE. |
24/4/1992 | Starlaw Road, BATHGATE, West Lothian. EH48 1LL. Photo |
Officers in Charge
Appliances
Muir Road
GLE813 | Austin K4/Leyland | HU |
GYR688 | Bedford QL 4x4/Home Office | WrT(A) |
GGX662 | Austin K2/Home Office/SEAFB | HrT |
Glasgow Road
First | Retained | ET | ISU | WRU | AFS | |
1964 | LSF997 | LSF999 | BFS330B | NYR123 | ||
1969 | OWS998G | LSF997 | BFS330B | |||
1970 | UWS61J | OWS998G | BFS330B | |||
1976 | VMS278R | OWS998G | BRS330B | |||
1978 | VMS278R | OWS998G | FSX273T | |||
1980 | RFS24V | OWS998G | FSX273T | |||
1982 | RFS24V | LSF403T | FSX273T | |||
1984 | HSG739X | LSF403T | A451LND | |||
1990 | B631JFS | NSX347Y | A451LND | |||
1992 | G871FFS | NSX347Y | A451LND | |||
1998 | P664NSX | C227RSC | A451LND | |||
1998 | P664NSX | L281NSC | A451LND | |||
2000 | P664NSX | L281NSC | W674PSF | |||
2001 | W462RSG | L281NSC | W674PSF | |||
2004 | SN04CMX | L281NSC | W674PSF | |||
2005 | SN04CMX | Y689BSX | W674PSF | |||
2007 | SK07BKO | Y689BSX | W674PSF | |||
2012 | SN12DKY | Y689BSX | W674PSF | |||
20/7/2016 | SN12DKY | SK07BKU | W674PSF | |||
2017 | SN12DKY | SN09BKA | W674PSF | |||
Nov 2017 | SN12DKY | SN09BKA | W674PSF | SF64CJE | ||
June 2018 | SN12DKY | SN09BKA | SF64CJE | |||
27/4/2021 | SY19BVH | SN12DKY | SF64CJE | |||
2022 Oct | SY19BVH | SV65OYH | SF64CJE |
NYR123 | Bedford Green Goddess | EP |
LSF997 | Bedford SLZG/HCB | PL |
LSF999 | Bedford SLZG/HCB | WrT |
BFS330B | Land |Rover FC101/Merryweather | ET |
OWS998G | Dennis F108/Dennis | WrL |
UWS61J | Dennis F108/Dennis | WrL |
VMS278R | Dodge K1113/Hestair Eagle | WrL |
FSX273T | Dodge KC50/L&B FB | ET |
RFS24V | Dodge G1313/Angloco | WrL |
LSF403T | Dodge G1313/HCB Angus | WrL |
HSG739X | Dodge G1313/Fulton and Wylie | WrL |
NSX347Y | Dodge G13c/Mountain Range | WrL |
A451LND | Dodge S66/Mountain Range | ET |
B631JFS | Dodge G13c/Mountain Range | WrL |
C227RSC | Dodge G13/Alexander | WrL |
G871FFS | Dodge G13c/Fulton and Wylie | WrL |
L281NSC | Scania 93M-250/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
P664NSX | Scania 94D-260/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
W462RSG | Scania 94D-260/Emergency One | WrL |
W674PSF | Scania 94G-260/Total Fleet | ISU |
Y689BSX | Scania 94D-260/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SN04CMX | Scania 94D-260/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SK07BKO | Scania P270/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SK07BKU | Scania P270/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SN09BKA | Scania P270/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SN12DKY | Scania P280/Emergency One | WrL/ET |
SF64CJE | Mercedes Sprinter/Carmichael | WRU |
SY19BVH | Scania P280/ Emergency One (New Gen) | RP |
SV65OYH | Scania P280/Polybilt/JDC | RP |
Y6689BSX was rolled in an RTC on 20/7/2016 and written off.
When the new HRU went on the run at Sighthill in June 2018 the ISUs at Bathgate and Galashiels came off the run.
Brigades
1941 to 1948 | National Fire Service |
1948 to 1975 | South Eastern Area Fire Brigade |
1975 to 2005 | Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade |
2005 to 2013 | Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service |
1/4/2013 | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service |
Notes
The South Eastern Fire Area Administration Scheme
Order, 1948
|
Equipment |
Whole-time |
Retained |
|
1 Self-propelled pump |
1 Company Officer |
|
|
1 Tender and Large Trailer Pump |
2 Section Leaders |
|
|
1Water Tender |
2 Leading Firemen |
1 Leading Fireman |
|
|
16 Firemen & Watch Room Attendants |
9 Firemen |
|
|
|
|
Bathgate had a call sign of 54 in Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, this was changed to L03, the new National Call Sign on 3/5/2017.
MINISTER OPENS FIRE STATION
Bathgate Ceremony
Declaring open a new fire station at Bathgate yesterday, Mr Henderson Stewart, Under
Secretary of State for Scotland, said that the South Eastern Fire Area Joint Committee had
achieved their aim at a time when the Prime Minister had given the warning that a tight
rein must be kept on public expenditure.
"It is our firm intention, however, to do our best with the resources
available," he continued. "We thoroughly appreciate the important part that good
accommodation plays in the efficiency of the fire service."
Referring to fire prevention work, Mr Henderson Stewart said that practically all brigades
now had a section of specialist officers who devoted themselves to this task. One of their
main duties was to give advice on the best arrangements for preventing fires in public and
private buildings. Unfortunately this free service was neither sufficiently known nor
sufficiently used by the public.
The station, which cost more than £30,000, is the first new whole time station to be
built in the South Eastern Area Fire Area since the war. Councillor Ian A Johnson-Gilbert,
Edinburgh, chairman of the joint committee, presided at the opening.
(The Glasgow Herald, 18th February, 1956. Page 7.
NEW FIRE STATION OPENED
Ceremony at Bathgate
SERVICE COMPLIMENTED ON EFFICIENCY
The first new round-the-clock fire station to be built in the South East of
Scotland since the war was opened at Bathgate last Friday by Mr J Henderson
Stewart, M. P., Joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland.
Sited on the Glasgow Road, the new station was built despite difficulties in the
restriction of capital investment, local difficulties in securing a suitable
site and exceptional difficulties caused by flooding during construction.
Mr Henderson Stewart said that the completion marked the end of a long journey
and everybody who had a hand in it was to be congratulated on a triumph of
patience and perseverance.
CENTRE FOR WEST LOTHIAN
From what he had seen of it, the station was obviously well planned and
constructed, and had first class facilities for operational and recreational
needs. “Altogether we have the conditions here to inspire the highest standards
of firefighting efficiency.”
Mr Henderson Stewart said the people of West Lothian would be especially glad to
see the station finished. It would be a “parent” for other stations in the
county by helping them to put out their fires, and, when fully completed, it
would offer training facilities never before available.
It had been the hard economic facts alone which caused delay in the building,
but he hoped the Joint Fire Committee of the area would feel their patience had
been rewarded. They had achieved their aim at a time when the Prime Minister had
warned that a very tight rein must be kept on public expenditure.
The Government fully realised the importance of improving fire service
accommodation where it was below standard and thoroughly appreciated the
important fact that good accommodation played in the efficiency of the service.
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE
“The efficiency of the Fire Service,” he said, “is a matter that touches us all.
Controlled fire is an ancient ally and friend of man. Uncontrolled, it is a
deadly enemy. Fire losses are heavy, and place an added strain on the nation’s
economy.”
Mr Henderson Stewart paid tribute to Mr A. B. Craig, Firemaster of the South
Eastern area, and to his officers and men. They had a proud record, which was
recently enhanced still more by the remarkable way they handled two major fires
(in Jeffrey Street and Princes Street) simultaneously.
But preventing fires was even better than extinguishing them. Fire prevention
was a branch of fire brigade work which had gained increasing recognition in
recent years. The South Eastern Brigade were among the leaders in this vital
service.
Unfortunately, this free service was neither sufficiently known nor sufficiently
used by the general public. How much we would all gain by using it he could not
estimate but it must amount to a very large sum each year.
Concluding, Mr Henderson Stewart referred to the place of the Fire Service in
war. He said it was comforting to know that the Auxiliary Fire Service in
Bathgate was a strong unit, and he congratulated its men and women on their
public spirit. “If the test should ever come – which God forbid – they and their
comrades throughout the whole Fire Service will not be found wanting”
(Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette, Friday, February 24, 1956 Page 7)
£40,000 FIRE STATION AT BATHGATE
Opening Ceremony By Mr. Henderson Stewart,
M.P.
<PHOTO> of the three bays with
appliances in them.
The recently completed fire station at Bathgate was officially opened last
Friday afternoon by Mr J. Henderson Stewart, M. P., Joint Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for Scotland. The new building, which is the latest of
its kind in the South East Scotland Fire Authority Area, is situated in Glasgow
Road near Easton Colliery and will serve not only Bathgate but a large
surrounding area in West Lothian.
The ceremony took place in one of the bays used for one of the three fire
tenders kept at the station.
Among those present were Provost John Graham, convener of West Lothian County
Council; Firemaster A. B. Craig and Assistant Firemaster R. T. Wylie, both of
the South Eastern Area; Firemaster Davidson, of the. Central Area; Firemaster
Chadwick. of the Glasgow Area, and Mr Wilson, H. M. Inspector of Fire Service;
and Mr Bryce Anderson, firemaster, Bathgate.
Mr Henderson Stewart said the completion marked end of a long journey and
everybody who had a hand in the project was to be congratulated on a triumph of
patience and perseverance.
Ideal Conditions
From what he had seen of it, the
station was obviously well planned and constructed, and had first-class
facilities for operational and recreational needs. “Altogether we have the
conditions here to inspire the highest standards of fire-fighting efficiency.”
Mr Henderson Stewart said the people of West Lothian would be especially glad to
see the station finished. It would be a “parent” for other stations in the
county by helping them to put out their fires, and when fully completed, it
would offer training facilities never before available.
It had been the hard economic facts alone which caused delay in the building,
but he hoped the Joint Fire Committee of the area would feel their patience had
been rewarded. They had achieved their aim at a time when the Prime Minister had
warned that a very tight rein must be kept on public expenditure.
The Government fully realised the importance of improving fire service
accommodation where it was below standard and thoroughly appreciated the
important part that good accommodation played in the efficiency of the service.
Deadly Enemy
“The efficiency of the Fire
Service” he said, “is a matter that touches us all. Controlled fire
is an ancient ally and friend of man. Uncontrolled, it is a deadly enemy. Fire
losses are heavy, and place an added strain on the nation’s economy.”
Mr Henderson Stewart paid tribute to Mr A. B. Craig, firemaster of the South
Eastern Area, and to his officers and men They had a proud record, which was
recently enhanced still more by the remarkable way, they handled two major fires
(in Jeffery Street and Princes Street) simultaneously.
But preventing fires was even better than extinguishing them. Fire prevention
was a branch of fire brigade work which had gained increasing recognition in
recent years. The South Eastern Brigade were among the leaders in this vital
service.
Unfortunately, this free service was neither sufficiently known nor sufficiently
used by the general public. How much we would all gain by using it he could not
estimate, but it must amount to a very large sum each year.
Concluding, Mr Henderson Stewart referred to the place of the Fire Service in
war. He said it was comforting to know that the Auxiliary Fire Service in
Bathgate was a strong unit, and he congratulated its men and women on their
public spirit. “If the test should ever come — which God forbid — they and their
comrades throughout the whole Fire Service will not be found wanting.”
Importance of West Lothian
Councillor Ian Johnston-Gilbert,
of Edinburgh, chairman of the Joint Fire Committee who presided said that in
these days of capital restrictions the opening of a new fire station was not
only an important event but a matter for gratification.
So far as the South East Scotland Fire Authority were concerned the opening of
the station was a landmark in the history of the Joint Committee. The Committee
by building the station in West Lothian had recognised not only the importance
of the county, but also the fact that it was an area where there were many
industries and agricultural interests for whom an up to date station was
essential.
Proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Henderson Stewart and the chairman, Mr John
Graham convener of West Lothian County Council, confirmed West Lothian’s
pleasure that this new fire station had been built within the county. The
question would naturally arise as to who was going to pay for it. Of course, it
would cost a lot of money but he was sure that the people of the Lothians would
get good value for their money in the service it would provide. Mr Graham went
on to contrast the present high efficiency of the Fire Service with the early
attempts at fire fighting when the art was just beginning. He said that the
demonstration the brigade had just given was an example of what could be
achieved by “working to rule.” If all other attempts at “working to rule” were
as successful it would much better for the country.
He thanked Mr Henderson Stewart for the interest he had shown and for taking
time off from a very busy life to come to Bathgate. He praised the work of the
chairman and the Joint Fire Committee and his committee and said that they were
doing a magnificent job in face of great difficulty in organising an adequate
and very efficient firefighting service for the area they served.
After Mr Henderson Stewart declared the building open two detachments of firemen
manned the two authority tenders and ran them outside in a mock turnout to an
imaginary fire.
Description of the New Station
Of modern design the new fire
station provides ample accommodation for appliances and equipment. From the
outside the building's main feature is the three huge double doors through which
the fire tenders pass. There are three of these tenders, two of which are the
property of the fire authority and the third is owned by H. M. Government and is
for the use of auxiliary firefighters. All three machines are practically new.
The floor of this part of the building and in the adjoining locker room where
the men keep their clothes and personal belongings is laid with red tiles. There
are three double doors to the rear where the fire tenders can be taken out for
washing and cleaning purposes. The main entrance door to the left of the
building gives access to a small hallway off which are the Company Officer’s
room and the station control room. In the control room there is a large
switchboard for telephones and alarm bell systems which is constantly manned. A
double window provides ample lighting and a large scale map of the area is fixed
to the wall facing the switchboard operator.
From the adjacent locker room access can be had to the dormitory, lavatory and
bath apartments and from the main hall at the entranceway a stair leads down to
store rooms beneath this part of the building which could be converted time of
emergency to concrete protected operational and living quarters. At the far side
of the building, beyond the garage space lies the kitchen, dining room and
recreation room There is also lavatory accommodation on this side of the
building. In nearly all parts of the building apart from the garage and locker
rooms the floors are of highly polished inlaid wooden squares. To one side of
the building is a petrol pump for refueling the tenders and the company
officer’s house is immediately adjacent. There are attractively set out plots
which will probably be planted with flowers and vegetables in season.
Following the opening ceremony Mr Henderson Stewart and the others present were
hospitably entertained by West Lothian County Council in the Co-operative Hall,
Bathgate.
(West Lothian Courier, Friday, February 24, 1956. Page 9.)
New fire station open
By Stratton Williams
Bathgate’s new £1.7 million
custom-built fire station was officially opened last Friday.
Eric Milligan, convener of Lothian Regional Council performed the ceremony in
front of other dignitaries at the Starlaw roundabout site.
In his remarks, Lothian and Borders Firemaster, Peter Scott gave an insight into
the reasons behind the need for the new station.
“In response to a Government request to review standards of fire cover to
various locations, it was found that an area in the west side of Livingston did
not comply with the requirements of cover, and it was felt necessary to relocate
the existing station.
“The precise location of the new station was arrived at by way of test runs and
the present site was found to be the best in satisfying both required attendance
times for the Bathgate station and attaining attendance times for the west side
of Livingston,” he said.
Mr Scott said he was convinced that the new station, together with the dedicated
people who man it, would efficiently serve the people of Bathgate and West
Lothian for the foreseeable future.
The new station shows Lothian and Borders Fire Board’s commitment to the highest
quality of public service.
Not only is Bathgate station a station for today, but is one which will not look
out of place in the 21st century, they say.
It has a modern facade and a practical yet comfortable interior which will fully
meet the demands that a 24-hour emergency operation requires.
The board also say that access to the main road network couldn’t be better, and
will help them achieve the required attendance times.
The plan of the building is a unique progression from the ‘T’ form of many
stations. The station areas in the new building radiate from the muster area,
reflecting the need to crew up and be on the road as quickly as possible.
Our picture shows Lothian Regional Council convener, Eric Milligan in pole
position as Firemaster Peter Scott looks on.
See also page 6.
(Courier, Friday, May 11, 1992. Page 15.)
BATHGATE FIRE STATIONS 1936-1992
For over 50 years the
people of Bathgate have had their lives and property protected from fire by
firefighters from Fire Stations at Muir Road, Bathgate (1936-1956) and Glasgow
Road, Bathgate (1956-1992).
Muir
Road Fire Station opened circa 1936 and formed the ‘other half’ of a
semi-detached cottage which was ‘extended’ to house the fire engine.
Accommodation for the firefighters was limited in that the main room of the
cottage doubled as a recreation room, lecture room, mess hall and for those on
night shift, the ‘billets’.
The station was lit
by gas. Unfortunately the system consumed mantles at the rate of one every three
days, and as the mantle allocation was only three per month, the crews soon
became expert at ‘fumbling around in the dark’ for the remainder of the month.
Muir Road was replaced in 1956 by the first purpose-built Fire Station in
Bathgate at West Lothian -Glasgow Road Fire Station.
Built at an estimate of £38,000 (this included the Station Commander’s
bungalow), the station was sited on what was formerly Eastons Pit. During the
early stages of construction problems were experienced with flooding, this
resulted in plans for a proposed Basement Control Room being abandoned. Perhaps
it was feared that the radio waves would be indistinguishable from those
associate with the flooding!!.
<Photo> Above, Glasgow Road fire station.
<Photo> Left, Muir Road fire station as it is today.
THE NEW STATION
The new Bathgate Fire
Station is fully reflective of Lothian & Borders Fire Board’s commitment to the
highest quality of public service and is indicative of the Board’s pursuit in
maintaining and promoting a Brigade which spearheads the Fire Service in Great
Britain.
Not only is Bathgate Station a station for today but it is one which will not
look out of place in the 21st Century. With its modem facade and its practical
yet comfortable interior it is a station which will fully meet the demands that
a 24 hour emergency operation requires.
Few could argue that West Lothian District Council, in wishing ‘a distinctive
and high quality architectural feature on this prominent site to the Eastern
approaches of Bathgate’ have been well served. Sited at Boghall Roundabout,
access to the main road network is immediate and appliances will not only
achieve the required attendance times in the Bathgate Area but also to the West
side of Livingston.
The aim was to present a quality development in the interests of the visual
amenity of the approach to the town, and with this in mind the building form
reflects the curves of the corner site and road layout of the location.
The plan is a unique progression from the ‘T’ form of many stations, with the
appliance bay meeting the accommodation areas at the muster point. The
difference here is that the station areas radiate from the muster area,
reflecting the Architect’s interpretation of our needs to crew up and be on the
road as fast as humanly possible. This is emphasised as a two-storey rooflit
atrium, which is the operational focus of the station. All areas associated with
firefighters preparing or returning from calls are at ground level, as are rest
areas, together with our administration rooms adjacent and obvious to the public
road to encourage access. Areas associated with the time spent between calls are
on the upper level, e.g. kitchen/dining, TV, lecture and recreation rooms. The
first floor gives an opportunity to relax in a comfortable environment without
feeling enclosed; and, in fact, views out to the east and south are essential
aspects of these areas. Also incorporated are folding partitions which allow a
flexible combination of larger rooms to be created as and when required.
In 60 years Bathgate’s Fire Station has come a long way from being a converted
semi-detached cottage (described by its former inhabitants as a gas-ridden
hovel) to a purpose built, state of the art fire-fighting establishment.
<Photo> The side of the new station
<Photo> The front of the new station
(Part of the station Opening Brochure?)
If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.
MAIN INDEX 1975 INDEX LOTHAIN & BORDERS INDEX SFRS EAST SDA STATIONS