Cumbernauld’s Darren helps build new firefighter training facility

Darren Milligan was one of 15 apprentices employed by Lend Lease who worked on the £22m centre at Clydesmill.

The facility, which spans 30 acres and took 77 weeks to construct, will officially open next month.

Darren (20) was one of five apprentice engineers and electricians who watched Lend Lease boss Gordon Anderson present the keys to Gordon Scott, assistant chief of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, at a special ceremony earlier this month.

Darren said afterwards: “It was a great to be given the opportunity to work on this project and it’s amazing to see the building now it’s finished. It was a really exciting project to be part of.”

Facilities for the centre include an academic base, a garage for eight fire engines and three training zones which will enable firefighters to simulate a huge variety of scenarios covering emergencies in residential, transport and industrial settings.

As many as 15 fire crews can train at the centre simultaneously.

Lend Lease boss Gordon Anderson said: “We are immensely proud of this stunning new academic building which will help position Strathclyde Fire and Rescue as a truly world leading service.”

Robert Scott added: “This training facility illustrates Strathclyde Fire and Rescue’s commitment to ensuring its people are among the best equipped and most skilled anywhere in the UK.”