* 6 male and 1 female who joined 25/9/2001

A new Station opened in February 1959?

Laurencekirk had a call sign of 93 in Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, this was changed to R35, the new National Call Sign, when the Control at Mounthooly closed on 8/11/2016.

Another Step

Last week's opening of a new fire station at Laurencekirk marked another substantial step in the modernisation of the fire services at the smaller centres. That process has been going on for some years now throughout the country, and it is safe to say that never was the margin between the full time service, provided in urban areas, and the part time service with which rural areas must rest content, so narrow as it is today.
Indeed, when one considers that our part time firemen are either widely scattered about their daily tasks, or snug in bed resting from their labours when the alarm goes, the time that elapses ere they are on their way to action is well neigh incredible and reflects the utmost credit on them as individuals and on the organisation of which they are part.
No doubt a good deal of money is spent on the upkeep of the fire service but it is an expenditure with which no one in their senses would cavil. It is by no means disproportionate to the advantage which it confers upon the community.
(Mearns Leader, March 6, 1959. Page 3)

NEW FIRE STATION OPENED.
Developments Foreshadowed 

Laurencekirk and surrounding area will now be served by a modern radio fitted fire engine costing over £4000 and housed in a new fire station built for just under £8000.
The new premises were opened last week by Viscount Arbuthnott chairman of the North East Fire Area Joint Board and convener of Kincardine County Council. His Lordship drew a contrast between the new station and the fact that, for four years, the burgh’s fire unit had to be kept outside, winter and summer, and covered with tarpaulin.
Despite these difficulties, he said, the Laurencekirk unit has always worked most efficiently and there was no doubt they would continue to do so.

Trial Run

Lord Arbuthnott pressed the buzzer to officially open the station. Within seconds the crew had dashed into the tender, the doors were open, and the unit was on its way to an imaginary fire.
Later there was a demonstration of the speed with which a fire can be tackled, linked with the control of water, should the supply be scarce.
In addition to the main pump housed in the tender, there is a portable pump which can be handled by two men but which can deliver 400 gallons a minute. It can be carried to water supplies not easily reached by the tender.
Lord Arbuthnott said the Fire Board had been greatly assisted by Provost Robson, Laurencekirk, the Town Clark and other officials in their search for a site. The building had gone up and record time. From start to finish it was only six months

Inverbervie, Too

A similar fire station was to be erected in Inverbervie, and fire engines of the latest types were being installed in the new premises and most of the old ones.
The whole of the area was covered by a radio, taking in the counties of Kincardine, Banff, Aberdeen and Moray, and Nairn.
In Kincardine itself there would be two new stations this year and an extended one at Stonehaven, while that at Banchory was in quite good order.
“In this end of the area we will have nothing to complain about.”
Provost W. J. B. Robson, who presided, said the Laurencekirk unit was staffed by local part-time volunteers who gave round the clock service to the burgh and its important agricultural area.
Mr Wm. Hunter, Stonehaven, proposed of vote of thanks.
(The Mearns Leader and Kincardineshire Mail, Friday, March 6, 1959. Page 1).

NEW FIRE STATION 

Laurencekirk’s new fire station, built at a cost of just under £8,000 was opened by Viscount Arbutthnott, chairman of the North East Fire Area Joint Board and convener of Kincardine County Council. Following the official opening, demonstrations were given by the local unit of the National Fire Service.
(The Mearns Leader, January 8, 1960. Page 7)

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