Blythswood 999 project sees more firetrucks en route to Moldova
A HIGHLAND charity is sending a fleet of emergency vehicles to one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe.
Blythswood Trust is providing six fire engines to Moldova, a former Soviet Union state, as part of its 999 project which aims to build up the capacity of emergency services in poorer countries.
The scheme has been running for 10 years and a total of 33 fire engines and 10 ambulances have already been delivered to Romania, Serbia and Moldova.
A team of 18 volunteers are due to begin the journey from Scotland to Moldova today, crossing from Newcastle to Ijmuiden in north Holland tonight.
The team, comprising firefighters, driving instructors, mechanics and trauma specialist, will train Moldovan fire crews in the use of the new equipment.
Several of the volunteers, including team leader Gary Bennett, have accompanied every delivery of vehicles over the past nine years.
Blythswood is working in partnership with the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) through its international development programme, to train local workers in the specialist skills needed to deal with road traffic incidents in Serbia and Moldova.
Blythswood’s head of projects Finlay Mackenzie said: “We are delighted to be able to send out a further six machines.
“Four are going to new locations but two will replace ones delivered eight years ago which are now worn out with constant use.”
Mr Mackenzie said one of the replacement vehicle would go to Nisporeni, a 70,000 strong scattered rural community where road conditions are challenging.
He said the previous fire unit sent to Nisporeni had done an “extreme amount” of work.
Mr Mackenzie thanked Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Buckhinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for the donation of the equipment .
And he paid tribute to the volunteer team, saying: “These guys show terrific dedication, giving up their holidays to share their skills with others.”
