Hume family tells fire chief ‘don’t take job’

A FAMILY has appealed to fire chief Brian Sweeney to forget any plans he may have to lead Scotland’s 9,000 firefighters.

The call came from the family of Alison Hume, the Ayrshire lawyer who died after Strathclyde Fire and Rescue commanders halted her rescue from a 50-foot mineshaft.

The post of chief officer for the new, unified, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has just been advertised with a salary of £165,000 a year. The appointment will be made this summer.

Mrs Hume’s step-father said it would be “a sad blow for Scotland” if Strathclyde’s fire chief was even considered for the job. Hugh Cowan, 69, of Ayr, said: “He should not even consider applying. Scotland needs someone in that role who can keep the people safe. Mr Sweeney is head of a fire and rescue service which failed to keep our Alison safe.”