Clarkston firefighter opens up about living with dyslexia

A firefighter has told how he overcame a lifelong learning difficulty to succeed in his career on the frontline with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighter Alistair Begg, based at Clarkston Community Fire Station, has lived with dyslexia since primary school.

From a young age, he recalls struggling to process information and commands, and of being aware that he completed academic tasks in his own unique way.

As he grew older, Alistair learned more about his diagnosis and developed his own strategies to overcome challenges in processing written information.

The 32-year-old, who joined SFRS in 2018, had been working as a car mechanic when he decided to venture down a new path.

Alistair explained: “I wasn't someone who always dreamt of being a firefighter when I was young.
“I wasn't enjoying the job I was doing and wanted a new challenge. I spoke to a friend in the Service and decided to give it a go.

“I was open about my dyslexia from the beginning and did find parts of the application process difficult.

“But I spoke with a few people and got some support to get past that first hurdle."

After beginning his 14-week training programme, Alistair was provided with a laptop and specialist read and write software to help him complete academic tasks.

The software, which transcribes Alistair's verbal input, proved to be a gamechanger.

He said: “The software allowed me to complete tasks in my own words and taught me punctuation for the first time.

“With the software, I was able to spell words correctly and learn how to use commas correctly - I'd never known how to use them before that."

The unwavering assistance of his colleagues on station has also been a huge source of support for Alistair.

He said: “There are five or six of us on the Watch and we're like a family.

“We spend a lot of time together and are really close.

“There's always someone available to help and happy to talk things over with.

“I still find the job very rewarding. When you're fixing cars, the worst thing that can go wrong is the car breaks down again.

“But in this job, you're seeing people on the worst day of their life and know that you can make a difference.

“This job has really changed my outlook on life.”

This week marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and as Scotland’s national fire and rescue service prepares to recruit the next generation of wholetime firefighters, SFRS is reinforcing its commitment to supporting staff and applicants with learning differences and disabilities.

Each application for the role of wholetime firefighter is considered on an individual basis, and reasonable adjustments are made where required throughout recruitment and employment.

Support can include tailored assessment arrangements, specialist equipment or workplace adjustments, helping ensure candidates are able to demonstrate their abilities and thrive in the role.

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient, and motivated to serve the communities of Scotland.

“Whether you are interested in frontline operational response, prevention work, or developing into specialist roles, the Service provides pathways, professional training and ongoing support to help you build a long-term career.

“Our firefighters attend some of the most challenging incidents, but they also play a vital role in educating communities, reducing risk and keeping people safe.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to find out more about what the role involves and take that first step.”

Recruitment for wholetime firefighter in the SFRS opens Tuesday, 24 March at 12.30pm until Friday, 27 March at 12.30pm. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Service website.