Firefighters will train alongside Police Scotland, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Scottish Ambulance Service and Mountain Rescue colleagues.

This will involve a significant emergency service presence around the harbour and surrounding area, with artificial smoke likely to be visible from a distance.

The exercise will involve approximately 30 people, including emergency service workers and volunteers in role-play simulation.

The purpose of this operation is to test the training and planning of firefighters and emergency service partners to respond safely and effectively should a fire take hold within a boat and to ensure communities are protected.

Area Commander Craig McGoldrick said: “I’d like to remind the public that this is a controlled event, and not to be alarmed by the significant presence around the area on Thursday.

“Exercises such as this are important and hugely worthwhile for our firefighters to train to protect our communities alongside emergency service colleagues in a unique and dynamic environment – and follows several months of planning.

“It has also been made possible thanks to invaluable support from our partners in Dumfries and Galloway Council and Kirkcudbright Harbour.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local authority, the community, and our partners for their continued support.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

This training event will commence at around 5pm and will last for approximately 3 hours.