Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel and Principal and Chief Executive of Aberdeen College Rae Angus will today sign a collaborative agreement to allow people in the area to take college courses using the training facilities of five local fire stations. 

Fire stations at Banchory, Dyce, Ellon, Inverurie and Peterhead have had the latest technology installed by Aberdeen College to allow access to a number of computer-based courses.  The programme of courses starting in September is designed to attract members of the local community plus Grampian Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) staff and their families.  It is hoped that the initiative will in future be rolled out to further stations across the country.    

The courses on offer include relaxation classes in Indian head massage and stress management, digital photography, art, child care and education plus IT training courses and even a course called gadgets for grown-ups.  

College Principal Rae Angus said: “The College is always keen to explore new and innovative approaches to best serve our local community. Research shows that more and more people want to learn closer to home and the fire stations offer a unique opportunity to hold classes in prime locations where staff, their families and neighbours can meet in what has to be said, an unusual setting. We thank GFRS for this opportunity and look forward to further collaborative projects.”

Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel added: “Nelson Mandela said that education was the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Perhaps we won’t quite do that through this innovative partnership but we will make a positive difference to people’s further education here in the North East. Grampian Fire and Rescue Service is a learning organisation and we are delighted to be able to support lifelong learning in this way.

“This is a new venture for us, we believe it to be the only one of its kind in the UK and I’m proud to be associated with Aberdeen College in delivering that and I’m grateful to all of the staff behind the scenes that have made this happen.”

It is expected that the novel setting will appeal to prospective learners.  Joan Thorne, Head of Community and Lifelong Learning at Aberdeen College said: “The College delivers classes in over a hundred community settings all over the North-east, but I think the Fire Station courses may attract a lot of interest because of their unique setting.  There is bound to be interest to see round the station and so GFRS have very kindly agreed to include a tour as part of the induction.”

Courses start in September.  For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.abcol.ac.uk