Establishment 1893

Establishment 1968

Establishment 1990
 

Establishment 1995
 

Crewing was I think 1st 5 2nd 5 and HP 3.

Establishment 2025
 

5 watches of 1WC, 2CC, 5Ffs crewing 5 on 1st and 2 on ALP or PM which ever requested. 1 spare Ff normally sent on Detached Duty.

In the report of the Glasgow Fire Brigade 1890 there is no mention of a station at Maryhill, in 1891 there is a temporary station staffed by Auxiliaries with a Manual Fire Engine as is the case in 1892. In 1893 there is a station manned by a Station Foreman and five men with a Steam Fire Engine and a Hose and Ladder Carriage (horse), the 1893 Report also states that a new station has opened in Maryhill at Gairbraid Avenue since the last report.

The Fire Brigade have vacated Camperdown Police Station. (Glasgow Council Minutes 16/6/1893). Camperdown Police Station was at the corner of Camperdown Street and Callander Street, parallel to Garscube Road.

The North West Fire Station was Officially Opened by the King and Queen in June 1942.

The station was used by Glasgow AFS personnel during the last six months of it's construction and fully manned on the formation of the NFS.

CLOSING OF MARYHILL FIRE STATION
27^th MAY, 1955

I has been decided to dispose of Maryhill Fire Station due to the fact that it has during the interval outlived its usefulness from a Fire Service point of view and the territory previously covered by this station is now shared by the North West Fire Station and Partick Fire Station respectively pending the erection of the new Fire Station at Knightswood which Fire Station, it is anticipated, will be commenced very shortly. New Fire Station sites have also been earmarked at Easterhouse and Castlemilk. In a great industrial City such as Glasgow with its ever increasing fire risk it is necessary to ensure that modern Fire Stations are sited with a view to ensuring that fire units are in position to reach, with the minimum of delay, any outbreak irrespective of what part of the City in which it may occur.
(Report of the Firemaster, City of Glasgow. 1955. Page 71.)

Since 1949 Maryhill had been listed as a Glasgow Fire Service Station with status of "At present closed".

In 1975 the North West was station C1 in the Glasgow Fire Service.

In 1995 the station name was changed from North West to Maryhill to better reflect the area the station covered. Maryhill was changed from T02 to B09.

OPENING OF NEW FIRE STATIONS

THE SPRINGBURN STATION 

The new fire stations erected at Springburn and Maryhill were formally opened yesterday. In both instances the establishments owe their origin to the extension of the city boundaries. The members of the Watching and Lighting Committee of the Glasgow Police Commissioners drove to the fire station at Springburn, leaving the City Chambers at one o’clock. They were met at the new premises by a number of citizens connected with the district. The buildings were designed by Mr A. B. M’Donald, city engineer, who gave effect in the plans to the suggestions of Captain Paterson, the city firemaster. As the result of their joint labours, a station has been provided in which, in the matter of arrangement, could scarcely be improved upon. The main building is four storeys in height, and is situated at the corner of Springburn Road and New Keppochhill Road. It provides dwelling accommodation for 10 married men. On the ground floor there is a hall in which a steam fire engine and a ladder and horse carriage are located, and ready for service at any moment. The stable, with accommodation for three horses, is built to the rear of the hall. The hall and stable are provided with Captain Paterson’s patent doors – a clever arrangement by which, on the bell being rung, the horses are instantly liberated from their stalls, and admitted to the hall, where the harnessing is accomplished with the utmost celerity. With horses trained to the work a turnout can be effected within 10 seconds. After the company had inspected the premises an exhibition was given of the operation of turning out with the steam engine.
This over Bailie Primrose called upon ex-Bailie Gray to declare the station open.
Councillor Gray, convener of the Watching and Lighting Committee, said the opening of that place was a natural sequence of the passing of the Boundaries Act, because it was rightly expected that when the measure came into force the Corporation would provide a proper fire service for the whole of the districts of the city. Their friends of the outside districts used to say that they were complete in every respect; but that was a fable. The city authorities knew better, and the outsiders came to know better also. They made a noble fight for independence; but had to succumb ultimately. The various committees of the Town Council were expected to do what was required of them. The Watching and Lighting Committee found that they did not require many additional police, the people in the outlying districts which were added to the city being exceedingly well behaved. They required a little additional light, and that was being gradually given to them. Rome was not built in a day. (Laughter.) They required most of all an efficient service for the protection of the inhabitants from fire, and the committee were there that day to open a station which was very much wanted, not only by the population, but by the important works in Possilpark and Springburn. Hitherto the men who were to be in that place had been stationed at St Rollox, which would now cease to be a separate station. The fire brigade service for the St Rollox district would now be supplied from the Central Station and also from this station. Of course, all this additional expenditure was somewhat serious. The expense used to be undertaken by the insurance companies themselves. They used to provide all the necessary equipment for the extinction of fires, and some people thought that they should do so still. They had an abundant income. Out of every £100 received in premiums £32 went for commissions and cost of management. Every community that had tried in Parliament to get insurance companies to continue their contributions for this purpose had always been thwarted. There were so many directors there receiving directors’ fees that the burden was still landed on the ratepayers. The Watching and Lighting Committee had been endeavouring for a series of years to perfect their system of fire supervision throughout the city. There were now district stations in the north, east, south, and west, well officered and well manned, and with a good supply of engines and plant. With these and the two stations to be opened that day, the Watching and Lighting Committee had done fairly well in the meantime. Still they would require to provide by and by for Strathbungo district. They had secured ground for the purpose. Possibly also it would be necessary to provide a better central station. These things remained in the future. There was no particular hurry for them, but with these two districts attended to the Committee were advised that the supervision for fire purposes would be complete. They could wait a little and have some respect for the pecuniary convenience of the ratepayers. (Applause.) In all their forward work the committee were greatly indebted to the wisdom of their chief …….ger, Captain Paterson. (Applause.) His great ……. as a…………into play in this de…indeed. The Fire Brigade had been greatly extended since Mr Paterson was appointed in 1884, Instead of 66 men they now had 108. The steamers had been increased from 3 to 10; and the stud of horses from 11 to 34. There were now 117 fire alarms as against 82, and 5278 hydrants or fire plugs as against 3562. (Applause.) There had within the last two or three years been spent on additional water supply for fire purposes £10,000. One half of that could be ascribed to the extension of the boundaries. They wanted to have, with due economy in the expenditure, the maximum of efficiency in the Fire Department, and he was sure the citizens would support them in the endeavour to have a fire brigade that would cope with any possible large fire that might break out in the city. That fire station, exclusive of the site, cost £4000. Speaking for the committee, he expressed the hope that in the future, as in the past, the Fire Brigade would be distinguished for alacrity, efficiency, and freedom from accident. (Applause.)
Bailie Morrin, in moving a vote off thanks to Mr. Gray, remarked that Springburn in the past had had some grievances, but these were gradually fading away. He referred to the interest Mr. Gray had taken in the finances of the city, and stated that while he had always an eagle eye for economy in administration, he never stood in the way when the necessity arose for spending money in connection with the department over which he so ably presided. (Applause.)
After refreshments had been served, the party drove to Maryhill.

THE MARYHILL STATION. 

The party afterwards drove to the Maryhill station. Having a larger site at their disposal here, the committee were better able to meet the requirements of the Firemaster. The fittings are very similar to those of the Springburn station, but as regards yard accommodation and space the conditions are more favourable. There are on the premises a steamer, a hose and ladder carriage, and two horses. The staff will in the meantime consist of six firemen. The station is a four storeyed erection, and besides having ample accommodation for engines, stabling for the horses, a workshop, hose drying tower, and a well-equipped lighting department, it has superior house accommodation for ten married men. Maryhill station is a substation to St George’s Road, which is also the centre for Hillhead. Upon an alarm being rung at either Maryhill or Hillhead, a steamer turns out and the alarm is transmitted to St George’s Road station, which dispatches are another detachment through the fire. Simultaneously the Central Brigade in College Street is appraised of the outbreak, and should the nature of the locality render such a course advisable the Central Brigade sends out a third detachment. The cost of the Maryhill station, exclusive of the site is £4500.
Councillor Gray, in introducing Baillie Primrose, convenor of the Fire Brigade Committee, said that he had a number of apologies for absence, including one from ex-Provost Stirrat, who was Provost of Maryhill prior to the amalgamation of the suburban burghs, Provost Stirrat was one of the first to acquiesce in the proposal to amalgamate with Glasgow, although, of course, he saw that very good terms were made for the burgh. He was sure it would be very gratifying to those who were interested in the locality to become acquainted with Bailie Primrose, who, in addition to his other qualities, was one of the most pleasing speakers in the Town Council. (Applause). To him there could hardly be a greater pleasure than to sit under some shady tree by the side of a running brook, and listen all day long to Bailie Primrose. (Laughter and applause.) Some of them wished to see the Bailie sent to St Stephen’s, but not yet, as they believed there was still a career of usefulness for him in the Town Council. (Applause.) Perhaps, when the House of Commons was fit to receive him, they would be glad to see him there. (Laughter and applause.)
Billy Primmrose said it gave him great pleasure to inaugurate that very beautiful sectional fire station. While in no sense extravagant in its proportions or equipment, he thought it would prove thoroughly efficient and minister properly to the wants of that important district. (Applause.) In his remarks at the Springburn station Mr Gray had said that a few years ago insurance companies bore the cost of fire extinguishing equipment for the city, and he hinted that perhaps that might have be a good plan yet. He could not share that view, because he felt that, as it was the duty of the Corporation to minister to all the departments of communal life – to make city life happy and comparatively healthy – so it was the communal duty to afford protection from fire. (Applause.) Mr Gray need not fear the commercial aspect of the question, because the Corporation, in making provision against fire, would unquestionably cause the rate to fall. The active competition between the many insurance companies, and the cutting down of rates, assured him that the commercial view of the case might well be left to take care of itself. (Applause.) No part of the civic service appealed more to the community than the Fire Brigade. (Applause.) In the chief of that brigade they had an officer efficient and well qualified, and who, whether they met him in ordinary garb or fighting the flames in the more heroic costume of helmet and of official coat, was characterised by devotion and thorough knowledge in the discharge of his duties. (Applause.) Captain Paterson had succeeded in making the Fire Department of Glasgow equal to that of any large city either in Europe or America, and in saying America, he appealed to a very high standard indeed. (Applause.) A month or two ago some of their friends from Kansas City who were in this country were unanimous and saying that for equipment, for perfectness of appliances, and for speed in turning out they had nothing to fear in rivalry with the best equipped brigade in the States. (Applause.) It was a matter of satisfaction to the citizens to know that if fire broke out while they slept, there was a well equipped service of sectional departments in every division of the city ready when the wild alarm sounded to come to their rescue and protection. (Applause.) That building was one of the sectional departments of that great service, and in declaring it open he expressed the belief that it would prove thoroughly adequate to the requirements of that portion of the city. (Applause.)
Councillor Clelland in moving a vote of thanks to Bailie Primrose, remarked that many were pleased to see among the company so many owners of large public works in the district. (Applause.) To them, he was sure, it would be a matter of special gratification to find that in Maryhill, they had the model fire station of Glasgow. (Applause.) It was to that station that Captain Paterson took the American Firemen to see what a fire station should really be. (Applause.) It must also be a matter for gratification to them to find this new order of things. The old Fire Department had passed away, and all things had become new. (Laughter and applause.) The man with the reel had disappeared, and would no longer be found at the coast when fire broke out. (Applause.)
Captain Paterson then conducted the party round the premises, pointing out the many features of interest, and explaining the working of the turning out apparatus. As regards the doors, which we are automatically opened by an ingenious arrangement, Bailie Primrose explained that they had been patented by Captain Paterson, and that a model of them was in the Fire Exhibition in Milwaukee City, U.S. He added that overtures had been made to the Firemaster to have the patent rights for the United States of America. (Applause.) The fire alarm was afterwards rung, and an exhibition turnout made. Everything passed off without a hitch. Within a very few seconds of the ringing of the bell, the steamer was careering along the street as if on its way to a fire. A visit was also made to that portion of the building set apart for the requirements of the Lighting Department. This department, in the matter of excellence and accommodation, is on the same scale as the rest of the premises.
This concluded the proceedings.
(Mail 23 August 1893.)

The Official Opening of Maryhill Fire Station

Councillor James Jennings, JP

Chair ,Police and Fire Committee

Strathclyde Regional Council

24th November 1995

Foreword

Firemaster John Jameson QFSM, AIFireE, CIMgt

Strathclyde Fire Brigade

Welcome to the official opening of Maryhill Fire Station.
It is more than half a century since the previous Maryhill Station was replaced by the North West and now events have come full circle. The North West was the last of the pre-war wholetime fire stations in Strathclyde and the new Maryhill will be the last built prior to the forthcoming local government reform.
Since the last local government re-organisation in 1975, Strathclyde Regional Council has built 25 new premises for the Brigade, replacing some that dated back to the previous century. The Brigade and, indeed, the people of Strathclyde owe a debt of gratitude to Strathclyde Regional Council for its commitment to the programme of replacement of obsolete fire stations.
Next year will see the formation of the new unitary authorities. Strathclyde Fire Brigade looks forward to working even more closely with the communities it serves and to enjoying as positive a relationship with the new Fire Board.

Order of proceedings

1100        Platform party and pre-ceremony guests assemble in hospitality room

1130        Guests assemble

1140        Non-platform party guests escorted to appliance room by Assistant Divisional Officer J. Hoey

1145        Platform party guests escorted to appliance room by Assistant Firemaster Stewart

Welcome and introduction of platform party - Councillor W. Timoney

Opening ceremony and unveiling of plaque - Councillor J. Jennings

Dedication by Reverend P. Houston, Brigade Chaplain

Convener’s remarks - Councillor W. Perry

Councillor Jennings presents visitors’ book to Firemaster

Firemaster’s closing remarks and presentation to Councillor Jennings

Councillor Timoney’s closing remarks

Buffet lunch and tour of building

Open day

Platform party:

Cllr W. Perry, JP, Convener, Strathclyde Regional Council; Cllr J. Jennings, JP, Chair, Police and Fire Committee, Strathclyde Regional Council; Cllr W. Timoney, Vice Chair, Police and Fire Committee; Firemaster J. Jameson, QFSM, AIFireE, CIMgt; Deputy Firemaster J. Coyle; Assistant Firemaster J. Stewart, Commander, Central Command; Reverend P. Houston, Brigade Chaplain.

North West fire station

The station was constructed during the period 1939-1940 and replaced the former Maryhill Fire Station situated at Gairbraid Avenue, Glasgow.
The station was used by Glasgow Auxiliary Fire Service personnel during the last months of its construction during 1940 and was fully manned on the formation of the National Fire Service in 1941. It was at the time of its construction, claimed to be one of the most modern fire stations in the United Kingdom with a full range of workshops, drive through 5-bay appliance room, spacious court yard with testing well, assembly and recreational facilities plus accommodation for thirty families of Firefighters. All this had been provided at a cost of £86,000.
In 1942 the station was honoured to receive King George and Queen Elizabeth for a visit during which personnel performed a number of exercises involving the appliances which were based there.
During 1947, the control of Fire Brigades was returned to local authorities and the North West station became a part of the Glasgow Fire Service. This continued until 1975 when the station, along with others, formed ‘A’ Division of Strathclyde Fire Brigade upon Regionalisation. 

<PHOTO> The frontage of the North West fire station on its 50th anniversary. (GXA797, G531PGE, KHS590)

During 1994, the station attended over 5,000 calls. This number of calls made the North West the second busiest station in the Strathclyde Region - quite a legacy for the New Maryhill Fire Station to inherit.

Maryhill fire station

Maryhill Fire Station is a result of Strathclyde Fire Brigade’s continuing policy of providing the highest level of service to the community it serves. The station is located in Maryhill Road, Glasgow, allowing easy access to the main traffic routes throughout its area. Also within a short distance are motorway access roads allowing the appliances direct routes to most parts of the city. The station is part of Central Command which covers the city of Glasgow and surrounding areas.
It has an establishment of eighty personnel and houses two Water Tender Ladders and a Hydraulic Platform. The personnel are split into four watches - red, blue, green and white, in order that all appliances are available for emergency calls twenty-four hours a day - seven days a week.
Based at this location, there are also a number of Community Firefighters. As the name suggests, these Firefighters speak to community organisations ranging from Rotary Groups to schools in a determined effort to get across the Fire Safety message.
The station is built on two levels and contains an appliance room, offices, breathing apparatus maintenance area, fitness room, lecture room and recreational facility.
The courtyard to the rear includes a training building which has a number of features which will allow our Firefighters to train in realistic situations This advance in practical training facilities combined with a programme of technical subjects will ensure that our Officers and Firefighters maintain the high standards or operational abilities the public rightly expects. In order to continue the Brigade’s energy saving programme, the station is also fitted with computerised control facilities to control heating and hot water supplies. The lighting system incorporates photo electric sensors which switch off lights if no movement is detected in the area.
As a result of the facilities mentioned above Maryhill Fire Station is, without doubt, a worthy successor to the North West and will continue to ensure that the people of Strathclyde, Maryhill and surrounding area continue to receive an efficient service from the personnel of Strathclyde Fire Brigade.

<PHOTO> Scania Water Tender Ladder          (M904DDS)
<PHOTO> 30m Arial Ladder Platform               (K377MYS)

Main Contractor      GA Construction
Project Architect     Mr. Graham Campbell, Architectural and Related Services, Strathclyde Regional Council

(None of the three photos mentioned above are on this site.)

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