THE Fire Service is looking for more women to train as firefighters in a new recruitment drive.

The service is holding women only open days in Glasgow for females who might be considering a career as a firefighter.

Around 300 new firefighters are to be trained to join the already 3,000 strong Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Only 5% of Scotland’s firefighters are women a figure bosses want to increase in the latest recruitment round.

A drive to increase the numbers from black and ethnic minority communities is a part of the campaign with just 1% identifying as BME.

Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development, said: “We are very privileged to work for an emergency service that prides itself on working hard each and every day to serve and protect the people of Scotland.

“But we are also committed to ensuring that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reflects our country’s very unique and diverse communities, and that is why we are actively reaching out to everyone to ask them to consider a fantastic career as a wholetime firefighter.”

Applications for firefighter posts will open on March 21.

Women only open days will be held in Glasgow, Perth, Inverness and Falkirk between March 1 and March 9 where potential applicants can get a taste of the role from women already working on the frontline as firefighters.

Ms Barnes added: “There is no doubt that our information sessions both general and targeted will assist and we also will be signposting people to the relevant information on our website. I would urge those who are interested to also follow our dedicated social media accounts where we will host, for example, a live question and answer session with a senior officer.

“This is an exciting time and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the next generation into a Service that is seeking to do so more for the people of Scotland.”

“You will have to hit a high standard to ensure that you can safely respond in some of the most hostile and dynamic environments as part of an effective team - but equally you will also be required to work with residents and partners to prevent harm arising in the first place.

“We have an outstanding and committed training department who will ensure you are supported and guided through every single step.”