Scotland’s fire service diversity campaign targets gay recruits

Scotland’s fire service is launching a nationwide drive to recruit more gay officers in an attempt to shed its “macho” image.

Posters have been distributed in gay bars and clubs across the country as part of the equality campaign, reports The Scotsman.

The service hopes the move by the Lothian and Borders, Fife, Central and Dumfries and Galloway brigades will dispel the perception that firefighters must always be white, male and heterosexual.

Two other brigades, Grampian and Tayside, have also been given “diversity champion” status by the gay campaign group Stonewall Scotland for their equal opportunities policies.

Ross Wynn, equalities manager at Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said there had been a change in attitude towards recruiting from the gay community.

“The fire service in Scotland is wanting to make itself appeal to the gay community. That’s been on the agenda across the country in the past few months,” he said.

The service plans to work with Stonewall to introduce initiatives aimed at producing a “gay-friendly” workplace, such as having staff forums for gay and lesbian employees.