Much has been said about the removal of the saltires from two appliances belonging to Grampian Fire & Rescue Service. The saltires had been added for a display at Truckfest 2012 and were removed before the appliances became operational. A row ensued over whether the saltires should be displayed on all fire vehicles. According to the press, it seems people are offended by their removal and they claim some were offended by their existence!

Most of the professionals I know in the Fire & Rescue Service are just that – too professional to express their view on the livery of their fire engines. They’re too busy getting on with the marvellous job they do.

Most sane members of the public and even politicians would hold back from wading into a row over flags when it concerns one of the emergency services on which we all rely.

Personally, if my house was on fire, I couldn’t care less if the fire engine was pink with tartan spots on or carried the flag of Timbuktu as long as it carried dedicated fire fighters with the right equipment to tackle the blaze.

Let’s remember what the emergency services are here for and let them get on with their job.