Emergency response vehicles on show

On show were two Police Scotland quad bikes and an all-terrain vehicle used by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has continued its investment in new fleet for East, North and South Ayrshire by providing an all-terrain vehicle, which will be based at Kilwinning Fire Station. This highly versatile vehicle can be utilised to transport personnel and equipment at various incidents such as wildfires and remote rescues where access can be difficult or restricted. The vehicle is fitted with a water tank, pump and fogging unit and carries other specialist equipment such as gas-powered burning torches, leaf blowers, hand cutting tools and a rescue board.

Police Scotland have been using quad bikes in East Ayrshire for some time, supporting some of the Council’s own enforcement initiatives such as rural crimes (poaching, fly-tipping, livestock worrying, plant/fuel thefts) combatting anti-social behaviour (vandalism, underage drinking/drug use, illegal off-road motorcycling) and community engagement events. The quad bikes allow officers greater access to rural and off-road areas where conventional vehicles cannot access. In East Ayrshire this includes rural locations like Loch Doon and Cairn Table Muirkirk.

Councillor Graham Barton, Chair of the East Ayrshire Police Fire and Rescue Committee said:

“We are grateful for our emergency services colleagues for giving us this rare opportunity to see these vehicles up close. East Ayrshire is a very rural location, and it is reassuring to know that we have specialist vehicles at our disposal to allow officers to respond quickly and safely to incidents in rural and otherwise challenging environments.”