THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Iain Bushell as Deputy Chief Officer.

Iain joins the SFRS from Strathcona County Emergency Services in Alberta, Canada where he is Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management with responsibility for both fire and paramedic response.

In his new position, Iain will be Director of Service Delivery and will also lead on the development of the future SFRS operational model and role.

The qualified firefighter and paramedic has more than 25 years experience gained in both emergency response roles and military aviation.

Following a successful career as a helicopter navigator in the Canadian Armed Forces, Iain joined Strathcona in 2001 as a firefighter/paramedic before progressing through senior operational and support positions to secure the Fire Chief position in 2013.

With a proven track record in frontline operational response, organisational development and key support roles, Iain will play a key role in the future direction of the SFRS.

Pat Watters, Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board said: “Attracting talent from around the globe underlines our status as the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service and the biggest within the UK.

"The SFRS is now looking towards the next phase in its transformation journey and Iain will bring new ideas and insight that will allow us to deliver the best solutions for our communities.”

Iain is married to Lindsay also a trained paramedic who has worked for air and ground ambulance services in Canada. They have a son, Crosby, six.

He said: “I am excited to be joining this outstanding organisation - a world class fire and rescue service which may be new but has a long and illustrious history. 

"I look forward to being part of its future."