This was B06 until 28/6/2004 when it became Station 26 and on ?/12/2015 it became P20 with the introduction of the new National Call Signs.

ABERFELDY – A public boon – Through the untiring exertions of our townsman, Mr Rankin, the village is now in possession of a fire hose, and fire plugs have been placed in the various parts of the town, the hose will be of great service in case of an outbreak of fire. On Saturday interesting experiments were made to test the efficiency of its working when it is found that the force is such as to throw the water to the top of the highest buildings in the village. Too much praise cannot be given Mr Rankin, not only for the trouble and expense he has been at in raising the sum necessary for this, but also for the interest he takes in everything which is calculated to benefit our village and inhabitants.
(Perthshire Advertiser, Tuesday, March 25, 1879. Page 3.)

<PHOTO> Chairman of Perth and Kinross Joint Fire Committee, Mr. A. D. C. Main, presents a long service award to Sub Officer Carmichael, Aberfeldy, after the opening of the new fire station at Callander on Tuesday. Sub Officer Carmichael joined Aberfeldy brigade in 1939.
(Perthshire Advertiser, Saturday, May 21, 1960. Page 8.)

COUNTY NEWS ABERFELDY 

Intimation was made that with the opening of the new fire station, more parking space would be made available in the Town Hall Square.
(Perth Advertiser, Wednesday, 14 May, 1969. Page 14.)

Aberfeldy’s New Fire Station Opened

 
The new £11,000 fire station at Aberfeldy was officially opened on Wednesday evening by Provost James Fisher.
Situated in Crieff Road, the station is a single bay unit, consisting of an appliance room, lecture room, kitchen and showers. It took just under a year to complete.
In his address to the large company who attended the opening, Provost Fisher gave a brief history of Aberfeldy Fire Brigade.
“The new Fire Station,” he said, “is a great asset to Aberfeldy and this is an eventful occasion for all local people.”
The Fire Brigade in the town was started in 1903, and comprised 13 men. In those far off days, Government grants and assistance were not in existence, and running costs were aided by social functions and help from the Council. In 1911 motor transport was used for the first time and from then on the Aberfeldy Brigade never looked back.
Presiding over the ceremony was Councillor John Kydd, chairman of Perth and Kinross Fire Committee, who said: “Aberfeldy Brigade have a long list of honours to their name and this is another occasion for their annals.” He added that the new station in Aberfeldy was the thirteenth to be built by the Joint Fire Committee since 1948. The proceedings were closed by Mr James Macnab yr. of Macnab. Following the ceremony those present were invited to view the new station.
(Perth Advertiser, Saturday, 17 May, 1969. Page 13.)

Aberfeldy’s New Fire Station Opened 

<PHOTO> Provost James Fisher performs the opening ceremony at the new £11,00 fire station at Aberfeldy on Wednesday.
<PHOTO> The new fire station at Aberfeldy, which is located in Crieff Road and is a single bay unit. It took just under a year to complete.
<PHOTO> Firemen who attended the inaugural ceremony. (Line up of 11 firemen.)
(Perth Advertiser, Saturday, 17 May, 1969. Page ?)

HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ABERFELDY FIRE BRIGADE 

<PHOTO> BOYS OF THE OLD BRIGADE. The “boys” are (l. to r.): John Menzies (plumber), Captain; James MacDonald (Burgh Surveyor), foreman; Bailie Charles Munro; Daniel Stewart; Stewart Robertson (slater), fireman; James A. MacGregor (postman), secretary.
<PHOTO> The men of the Brigade 14^th May, 1969. Photo by A. C. Cowper, Perth.
From its unobtrusive beginning in a Council Chamber 66 years ago to the present day, the following is just some of the history that surrounds Aberfeldy Fire Brigade. The first twenty fire calls and some of the changes in office bearers are published below, all leading up to Wednesday’s opening ceremony of the new Fire Station.
Aberfeldy Fire Brigade was formed at a meeting held in the Council Chamber on 21st October, 1903. Bailie D. R. Reid presided. The following were appointed as office bearers and firemen:— Bailie Donald Reid, captain; John Menzies, plumber, vice-captain; James A. MacGregor, postman, secretary.
The other members of the Brigade were:— James MacDonald, joiner, foreman; Peter MacDonald, gardener, assistant foreman; Duncan Robertson, blacksmith, engineer; George Watson, coachbuilder, assistant engineer; Alexander Anderson, dyer; William Walker, grocer; Alexander MacKenzie, plumber; John Fisher, plumber; Stewart Robertson, slater; and Duncan Ritchie, cabinet maker, all firemen.
The captain, Bailie Reid, was very enthusiastic and took a great interest in the progress and efficiency of the men. He introduced a new system of training procedure which proved of great service.
A book containing a set of rules, regulations and byelaws for the guidance the Brigade was to be drawn up. The newly formed Brigade turned out for a preliminary practice on 24^th October, 1903, a Saturday afternoon.

FIRST CALL OUT

The new Aberfeldy Fire Brigade’s first "call-out" was on the morning of Tuesday, 16th February 1904 in connection with an outbreak of fire in one of the dining rooms in the restaurant in the Square, owned by Mr John McLean. It was only a slight outbreak and was soon under control.
The second call out took place four months later on the morning of 9th June, 1904, to a fire at the back premises of Messrs Duncan MacGregor, butcher, Bridgend. The damage was estimated at £50.
It is perhaps interesting to note at this point, that following each fire the men were paid according rank, i.e. 10/- for the captain, 5/6 for the firemen, and refreshments to the value of, 3/8d.
The third call out of the new brigade was on the morning of 4th November, 1905, over a year later than the previous one. This time it was a slight outbreak at the premises of Messrs. James McKeracher, cabinet maker, Dunkeld Street.

FORTH CALL

The next fire followed one year and three months later, on 2nd February, 1907. The outbreak, a chimney fire at the old Cottage Hospital, Home Street, was quickly extinguished.
The fifth call was perhaps the worst fire that has ever taken place in Aberfeldy. It occurred on 14th March, 1907, at the premises of Messrs. Duncan MacGregor, butchers, Brigend, Aberfeldy, already struck by fire in 1904.
The shop adjoined the Breadalbane Arms Hotel. The property a building two storeys high at the front and three at the back, consisting of a dwelling house on the ground floor, a baker’s shop occupied by Mr John Wilson and the rooms above, were tenanted. The other shop was unoccupied.
One of the ground floor rooms was occupied by Mrs MacGregor. Mr Peter Clark slept in a bedroom in a top flat and Mr Duncan MacGregor, butcher and proprietor of the buildings, Mrs Finlayson and Mrs Hay were others in the building .at the time.

PERISHED

The fire was discovered shortly after five o’clock in the morning by Mrs Hay. The Fire Brigade was soon on the scene and succeeded in rescuing Mrs Hay, Mrs Finlayson and Mr D. MacGregor. Unfortunately Mrs MacGregor and Peter Clark perished in the flames;
The sixth call out of Aberfeldy Fire Brigade followed only eight days after their fifth, on 22nd March, 1907. This time it was a serious outbreak on the east side of Kenmore Street. A dwelling house occupied by Miss M. McDonald, and shop premises occupied by Messrs. W. Waler, grocer and Messrs. John Walker, game dealer, were all completely gutted. Falling sparks from the fire ignited the roof of the Union Bank. The damage was estimated at £1,900.
Shortly after this fire the captain, Bailie Reid, resigned because of ill health. Mr John Menzies succeeded him as captain and held this post until November, 1927.

SEVENTH CALL

The seventh call was on 5th November, 1907, to an outbreak in the premises occupied by Messrs. D. R. McDonald, saddler, Dunkeld. This fire was quickly under control before doing much damage.
Six fire extinguishers were bought in October, 1908. Two were placed on the fire engine, two placed in the Town Hall and one each given to the captain and vice captain for them to take to any outbreak for their immediate use.
A wooden shed belonging to W. A. Robertson, burned to the ground, was the Brigade’s eighth call. The date was 27th October, 1909.
On 8th January, 1910, .a workshop belonging to Messrs. Duncan Ritchie, cabinetmaker, Moness Terrace, was burnt out.
The tenth turn out for the Aberfeldy Brigade was on 2nd; February, 1910 to a slight outbreak at the house at 40 Dunkeld Street, occupied by Mr James Stewart. The Brigade prevented the blaze from doing further damage.

STOCK YARD FIRES

The eleventh and twelfth turnouts took place on 4th April and 5th August, 1911, respectively. The first was to a stock-yard fire at Duntuim and the second, a similar fire, at Castle Menzies Farm. On this latter occasion the fire engine was hauled to the fire by the Castle Menzies motor car.
Two months later, 27th August, 1911, a very serious outbreak took place at 22 Kenmore Street where two lives were lost, Ann Cameron and her son, John Taylor, being burned to death.
In November, 1912, the, founder and former captain of Aberfeldy Fire Brigade, Bailie D. R. Reid, died.
Twice in 1914 the force were called out. Firstly on 23rd February, to a slight outbreak at the premises of Messrs. Henderson, fishmongers, Brigend, Aberfeldy, and secondly to an outbreak at D. R. Reid’s adjoining premises in Market Street on 6th June.
In 1914 four men joined the Territorials, and this proved difficult to find suitable replacements. Temporary appointments were made, most of them later confirmed. Nine members of the Brigade were on active service before the end of the First World War.

NEW STEAMER.

In 1921 all firemen’s houses were equipped with an alarm bell connected to the fire alarm at Bridgend. The following year, 10th May, 1922, a special meeting decided that Mr W. Mathieson should be appointed to take charge of the new fire engine, recently purchased by the Town Council, and that he was to be held responsible for the maintenance of this new ‘steamer’.
This new ‘steamer’ got its first chance to go into action on 29th January, 1923 when the force was summoned to a serious farm fire at Balnacraig, Fortingall, and ‘worked most satisfactorily’.
Three years later, 21st April, 1926, a fire took place at the Station Hotel stables and in the same year a blaze at the Palace Hotel was soon under control.
The vestry of the Parish Church was paid a visit by the Brigade on 18th December, 1927, and two years later, 8th January, 1929, the Brigade were on their twentieth call out, to a serious fire at the Railway Station.
In 1929 another special meeting came to the decision that they would not call in the services of Perth Fire Brigade, except on the order and instruction, of the captain.

ELECTRIC LIGHT

On 3rd November, 1934, electric light was installed at the Fire Station, 31 years after the force was formed.
The house of Fireman A. Galbraith, 29 Dunkeld Street, Aberfeldy, was visited twice in five months by his colleagues. The first call was on Friday, 13^th December, when the blaze was put out by using two extinguishers and the second visit, was on Tuesday, 21st May, 1936. Mr Galbraith later became officer in charge at Aberfeldy.
On 27th March, 1939, the Aberfeldy unit of the Auxiliary Fire Service was formed in addition to the regulars. The twelve members of the A.F.S. were as follows:— A. Campbell, 26 Kenmore Street; J. Carmichael, Bank St; W. D. Fergusson, 19 Kenmore Street; D. McArthur, Bank Street; W. McDonald, 21 Kenmore Street; C. McDougall, Atholl House; G. McFarlane, 20 Market Street; W. C. Robertson, 3 Ardbeg; G. Smart, 18 Breadalbane Terrace; W. Stewart, 44 Kenmore Street and W. Stewart, “Strathview”, Chapel Street.

NATIONALISATION

On 25th June, 1940, a Dennis Trailer Pump and a 25h.p. Daimler saloon car for towing were issued to the Brigade. A year later, 19th August, 1941, the Aberfeldy Brigade became a unit in the newly formed National Fire Service.
During the Second World War the Aberfeldy Brigade had two air raid warnings. The first of these was on Tuesday, 17th February, 1942, at 7.45 a.m. The red alert lasted 55 minutes. The second warning came on Tuesday, 25th March, 1943, at 1 p.m. until the all clear 15 minutes later.
On the denationalization of the Fire Service, the Perth and Kinross Fire Brigade was formed. Mr J. McDonald became officer in charge of Aberfeldy, followed by Mr Tom Stewart, who was in turn followed by Mr John Carmichael.
Mr A. Galbraith took charge in 1961 and the present officer in charge, Sub Officer Norman Shaw, 28 Kenmore Street, has held that position since May, 1966. Leading Fireman George McDonald is his deputy. The full complement is eleven men, all of whom were on parade on Wednesday at the opening of the New Fire Station. 

‘Plane crash

On Saturday, 29th May, 1943, Aberfeldy Fire Brigade were summoned from Kellas’s Garage at 1-30 p.m. to a crashed aeroplane on the Fearnan—Fortingall road. The ‘plane, a twin-engined Ablemarie had ploughed into the wall separating the parishes of Kenmore and Fortingall. In the aircraft was one Czechoslovakian and three Russian pilots out on a training flight from Errol. The Ablemarie’s glider towing mechanism had unlocked and this caused the ‘plane to crash. At the controls at the time was the commander of the party, a Russian Colonel. One of the first on the scene was Mr John McEwan, Fortingall. The Brigade arrived but could do nothing as the aeroplane burst into flames. No bodies were recovered. The Brigade returned to Aberfeldy at 4-35 p.m. 

Former Aberfeldy fireman dies

A former member of Aberfeldy Fire Brigade, Mr John Carmichael, 3 Tayside, Aberfeldy, died this week at the age of 68.
Mr Carmichael was one of 12 men in the Auxiliary Fire Service when it was formed in addition to the regulars, on 27^th March 1939.
Mr Carmichael, a native the burgh, was a motor mechanic to trade. He retired a few years ago.
He was an office bearer in the former Breadalbane Church, and had been a member of the bowling club.
As a member of Breadalbane Football Club he had been an standing goalkeeper, but had refused the opportunity to play in senior games.
Mr Carmichael’s wife died some years ago and he is survived by one son. 

Aberfeldy’s New Fire Station Opened 

County Councillor John Kydd, chairman, of Perth and Kinross Joint Fire Committee, presided at the opening of Aberfeldy’s new Fire Station on Wednesday before a large number of guests.
Provost Fisher of Aberfeldy declared the station open and gave an account of the Brigade’s history since its formation in 1903.
County Councillor MacNab of MacNab, Killin, proposed a vote of thanks. Afterwards the guests made an inspection of the station, which is fitted with up to date equipment, and were later entertained to tea in the Brigade grounds.
The Brigade has one sub officer, one leading fireman and nine firemen.
Our picture on the right shows the men of the Brigade on parade at the opening of their new Station on Wednesday evening.
(North Perthshire Guide, Saturday, 17^th May, 1969. Pages 4 and 5.)

RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS OF ABERFELDY FIRE BRIGADE

Rules

OF THE

1              The Brigade shall be called “THE ABERFELDY FIRE BRIGADE.”
2              The Brigade shall consist of a Captain, Vice Captain, Foreman and Assistant Foreman, Engineer and Assistant Engineer, and at least Eight Fireman.
3              The Captain and Vice Captain, Foreman and Assistant Foreman, Engineer and Assistant Engineer, and the Brigade Secretary, shall constitute the Committee of Management.
4              The above appointments shall be made annually at the General Meeting of the Brigade, to be held in the month of October each year. The Captain shall have power to fill up any vacancy that may take place in the Brigade during the year.
5              The Brigade shall meet for Drill and testing the Engine not less than once a month from the beginning of April till end of September, and once in two months from end of September till the beginning of April, or oftener if required.
6              Any member absent from two Drills of the Brigade in succession and neglecting or refusing to attend a fire, without giving the Captain or Vice Captain a satisfactory reason for his absence, is liable to dismissal from the Brigade.
7              Each member shall promptly obey all orders which he may receive from those in authority over him, and shall conform to all regulations which may from time to time be made.
8              No member shall leave the scene of a fire or place of drill, unless in case of injury, without the permission of the Captain or other officer in charge.
9              In all cases of insubordination and complaint that may arise in the Brigade a general meeting shall be called by the Committee of Management, and the Committee, if they think it necessary, shall refer the matter to the Fire Brigade Committee of the Town Council.
10            When attending a fire, the Captain or officer in charge may engage what assistance he may require, and upon each extra man being engaged his name shall be taken down by the Captain or other officer in charge who may have requisitioned his services, and as far as possible a note of the time he began work and left off shall be kept.
11            Practical joking of disorderly conduct of any kind on the part of members of the Brigade is strictly prohibited when at drill or other assemblies of the Brigade.
12            The Brigade shall be under the control of the Captain, who shall be responsible for the maintenance of a proper state of efficiency therein.
13            At the end of every drill, or after an attendance at a fire, it will be the duty of the Engineer and Foreman to see that the Fire Engine appliances have been returned.
14            It shall be the duty of the Captain or Vice Captain to check the list of stores in the Fire Station at least once every three months.
15            The Brigade Secretary shall be custodian of all books appertaining to his office, including the Minute and Roll Books of the Brigade. He shall issue notices of the meetings when required, keep regular minutes, record the names of entrants, and conduct the general correspondence of the Brigade.
16            Any person may become an honorary member of the Brigade by paying to its funds a fee of 10/6.
17            Each member of the Brigade shall be supplied with a copy of the Rules in order that none may plead ignorance of them.
18            Three shall be a quorum in meetings of Committee of Management.
19            The members of the brigade shall be paid as follows for fires: –
Captain and Vice Captain – for turnsout, first hour, 5/-; every hour after the first 2/6. Foreman and Assistant Foreman, Engineer and Assistant Engineer – for turnsout, first hour 4/-; every hour after the first hour 1/6 (including cleaning Engine thereafter). Fireman – for turnsout, first hour 3/-; every hour after the first, 1/3. Pumpers, 1/6 for first hour; 1/- each succeeding hour or part of an hour.
20            No pay shall be allowed for a false alarm of fire.
21            In the case of fires beyond the burgh the charges shall be as follows: – for Fire Engine, £3 3/-, and also such outlays as requires to be paid for horses or drivers. The members of the Brigade shall be paid the same rate of pay as is before mentioned under Rule 19.
22            All claims by firemen for damaged clothing, etc., to be submitted to Fire Brigade Committee of the Town Council.

Duties of Chief Officers and Fireman
Captain And Vice Captain 

The moment an alarm of fire is raised, wherever it may be, they will repair to the spot with all possible speed and take command of the Brigade, and be responsible for its general conduct. It is the particular duty of the Vice Captain to give orders for the sufficient quantity of hose to be attached, to see that it is directed in the most advantageous manner, and to take all orders from the Captain, or, in his absence, to take command of the Brigade.

Foreman 

It shall be the duty of the Foreman, on information of a fire, to hasten to the Fire Station, where he expects to meet some of the Brigade. With the assistance of the Fireman that may have arrived, he will get the Engine to the scene of the fire as quickly as possible, and will be responsible that everything required is taken. On arriving at the fire he will take his instructions from the Captain or Vice Captain as to where the engine is to be replaced for working; he will number off his men, see that the carriage is locked, and that sufficient and suitable men are ready to start pumping. He shall keep an account of the time, and the names is a number of men employed, and not suffer idlers stand about or interfere with the men pumping.

Engineer 

He shall have the looking after the Engine and Hose, and keep them in working order. He shall see that the Engine bearings and couplings are all free from grit and excess of oil. During progress of a fire, should a length of hose be reported damaged or burst, the Engineer will see that a sound length of hose is paid out alongside the detective length. He will then have the engine stopped or the water turned off, and the sound hose quickly inserted in the place from which the defective length is taken. All damaged hose, etc., must be reported by the Engineer to the Captain. The Engineer will also see that all hose is promptly drained and cleaned after a fire, and when hose is being rolled up that the rivets are on the outside of the coil. He will see that the sufficient oil is kept in stock for pumps and bearings, and that the engine lamps are kept properly trimmed and ready for lighting.

Firemen. 

The Firemen upon receiving an alarm of fire will proceed immediately to the Fire Station and prepare as quickly as possible for turning out the Fire Engine. Upon arrival at the fire, the Firemen will do their upmost to carry out the instructions of the officer in charge. They will attach the necessary lengths of suction and delivery hose, assist in the saving of life or property, and pulling down dangerous walls or obstructions as directed. The Firemen will endeavour to keep the crowd from treading on the hose, and from approaching too nearly the premises on fire, and will show by their steady and consistent conduct that they fully appreciate the responsibility of the duties which they have undertaken.
Officers of the of the Fire Brigade only to have access to the Fire Station, and on no account will any person be allowed to take any article outside. The hose must be thoroughly well dry dried before storing.
Members of the Brigade will be held directly responsible for helmets, belts, etc., which they may have in their possession.
(There is no date on the photocopy that this was typed from.)

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