The Northern Fire Area Administration Scheme Order, 1948

1997/98        Paging equipment installed.

1999/2000 Upgraded to Breathing Apparatus status.

 With the new brigade structure introduced in the summer of 2003 the 3 Divisions were re-organised into 2 Commands North and South, Lochmaddy was put into South Command. Call signs remained the same.

On 1st April 2005 along with 61 other units Lochmaddy was upgraded to a Retained Unit, drilling one night per week and receiving a retaining fee.

Lochmaddy had a call sign of B28 in The Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, this was changed to U32, the new National Call Sign, when the Control at Inverness closed on 6/12/2016 and moved to Dundee.

Fire destroys Stag Lodge

A fire in The Stag Lodge Guest House in Lochmaddy escalated out of control and destroyed the building on Tuesday afternoon. No one was seriously hurt in the blaze, writes Catherine Kinghorn.
According to police, the fire started on the ground floor of the lodge around 2:30 p.m. and quickly spread throughout the building.
The owner, Mrs Jacqueline Handyside, who was alone in the lodge at the time of the blaze, managed to escape, but suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns.
She was taken to the Uist and Barra hospital where she was kept in overnight or observation.
Fire Brigade headquarters in Inverness said that two fire fighting appliances from Benbecula, one from Lochmaddy and one from Lochboisdale were called to the fight the blaze.
Police said they are investigating the cause of the fire and enquiries are continuing.
(Stornoway Gazette Thursday, June 28, 2001

The Official Opening
Lochmaddy Fire Station was officially opened at 15-15hrs on 4th February 2006 by the convener of the fire board Mr. Drew MacFarlane Slack, Mr. Slack spoke of many areas within the remit of the fire board and gave praise to Councillor MacLean for his support in achieving the development of the new stations throughout the brigade area.
He praised the efforts, dedication and commitment of all fire crews mentioning both their position in and dedication to their communities, the station was then pronounced officially open at 15-15hrs with Mr. Slack unveiling the station plaque.
Martin Haigh again came forward and invited Reverend Donald Campbell – Church of Scotland, to bless the station, following the blessing all of the guests present were encouraged to have a good look around the new station and appliance before proceeding to the Tigh Dearg Hotel, Lochmaddy for a buffet lunch.
Throughout the lead up to the ceremony and following the speeches, background music was provided by Mr. Paraig McKay and his Clan Tir an Eorna Fiddlers.
On behalf of the Chief Fire Officer Brian A. Murray, Fire Board Convener Mr. Drew MacFarlane Slack, Sub Officer Donald McIlwraith (Officer in Charge) Lochmaddy Fire Station and his crew, I would like to thank everyone who provided assistance on the day and attended the ceremony, for their support in making the opening of the new fire station a great success.
(Archive News 2006 H&I web site) 

LOCHMADDY FIRE STATION 

OPENING CEREMONY 

4^th February 2006

Chief Fire Officer’s Welcoming Address: 

May I welcome all our guests and friends here today to the opening of the new Lochmaddy Fire Station.
The Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service are committed to driving down risk in all our communities across the Highlands and Islands.
Today, we take another step towards this key objective in opening the new Lochmaddy Fire Station. To serve, along with the Firefighters based here, the local community and the wider community of these islands.
I am very pleased to have here today, Mr Drew MacFarlane Slack MBE, Convener of the Fire Board, who will perform the official opening ceremony.
Thank you all for attending, and supporting the work of this Service. 

Chief Fire Officer Brian Murray. 

MUSIC FROM: Clan Tir an Eorna Fiddlers 

OPENING ADDRESS: Western Isles District Officer Martin Haigh 

CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S ADDRESS: Mr Brian Murray 

LOCAL COUNCILLOR’S ADDRESS: Mr D MacLean Local Councillor and Western Isles Fire Board Member 

OFFICIAL OPENING: Mr Drew MacFarlane Slack MBE, Fire Board Convener 

CLOSING ADDRESS: Western Isles District Officer Martin Haigh 

STATION BLESSING: Revd D Campbell Church of Scotland 

Dispersal for Buffet at Tigh Dearg Hotel

Helping Make 

Highlands and 

Islands Safer

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