Provost Sinclair at the opening of Thurso Fire Station

Provost Sinclair at the opening of Thurso Fire Station

ID: CAITHHORZ_THUFM_PH341 DESCRIPTION: The Opening Of Thurso Fire Station on 22nd September 1954 by Provost John Sinclair. The event was reported by the "Caithness Courier": "A war time blanket store in Thurso Town Hall caught fire in 1940. The local fire brigade, of which Provost Sinclair was convener, saved the hall. We had no uniforms, recalled Provost Sinclair on Wednesday, and I destroyed a pair of shoes that day. Amid laughter, the Provost added I've never been paid for them yet. It was then that Treasurer W. J. Mackay, Inverness, chairman of the Northern Area Fire Committee, stepped forward and presented Provost Sinclair with a fireman's axe. Treasurer Mackay, who presided at the opening ceremony, said that the fire services in the Northern Area had greatly improved during the past few years and added 'You can have the utmost faith in your Fire Brigade in Thurso'. Speaking as a former convener of the Town Council's pre war Fire Committee, Provost Sinclair recalled the days when the hand barrow on iron wheels had to be man handled to the scene of the fire. Round about 1937, the Council obtained a Merryweather pump and soon, afterwards they purchased a second hand car, which was adapted as a trailer. Congratulating Section Leader John Robson and his crew, Provost Sinclair said that the Thurso Brigade, by their prompt and able service, could hold their own with any Brigade in the area. The new Fire Station, which was built by Messrs J. and G. B. Mackay, Bettyhill, comprises an appliance room, store room, muster room, office and hose drying room. The toilet facilities include a spray bath." This image may be available to purchase. For further information please email us PLACENAME: Thurso OLD COUNTY/PARISH: CAITHNESS: Thurso DATE OF IMAGE: 22 September 1954 PERIOD: 1950s SOURCE: North Coast Visitor Centre COLLECTION: Caithness Horizons Asset ID: 4628 KEYWORDS: