New Galloway is proud of its new fire station
by Peter Bedingfield 

<PHOTOS> The new fire station is sited next to the A712 and has onsite training facilities which the former fire station in West Port lacked.
The team of retained firefighters at New Galloway with Sub Officer Vic Macintosh standing on the right.
The new fire stations communications system is explained to Jenny Russell by firefighter Mark Swain during the open night on February 13
During the opening night, which was well attended, this demonstration of the heavy duty cutting equipment by Murray Walker (left) and Eddie Miller is watched by Jamie Struthers and Colin Edgar.
New Galloway’s £300,000 fire station is officially open.
The custom-built station was opened yesterday by Mungo Bryson, regional councillor for Stewartry North, at a ceremony attended by regional council convenor Alan Baldwick, chief executive Ian Smith, members of regional, unitary, district and community councils and other guests from the local community.
Also present was Ken Cameron, chairman of the public protection committee and a former full-time fireman, who presented certificates of appreciation to local employers from New Galloway, Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet and Newton Stewart and Stranraer areas who have released employees for brigade duties over a period of 10 years or more.
The ceremony was followed by a tour of the premises and static displays.
The new station, which has been an operation since December last year, comprises a single fire appliance bay, muster bay, watchroom, lecture room, small kitchen, workshops and store and drying facilities.
Training facilities include a spacious drill yard with a drill tower, fire hydrant, foam practice area and soak away for water used during training.
The new station has a compliment of 10 retained firefighters who crew a fire and rescue tender.
Divisional Officer Bob McChristie said: “The new station is a big improvement over the old one, especially the on-site training facilities which we did not have previously.”
He added: “When you consider the fact that new station is likely to last for 50 years, £300,000 is not such a huge amount of money. It works out to about £6,000 a year.”
(The Galloway News, Thursday, February 22nd, 1996. Page 12)

If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.