THE latest addition to the Scottish Mines Rescue Service in Crossgates was unveiled at a special open day last week.

Provost Jim Leishman officially opened MRS Training and Rescue's new height training facility at the event which celebrated over 30 years of successful health and safety training provision.

The organisation is all that remains of deep mining in Scotland since Longannet Colliery closed in 2002.

Since then, it has undergone a comprehensive diversification programme which has included major development and investment of people and resources and is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading health and safety service providers.

Scotland Operations Manager Errol Parrish said they welcomed customers old and new to the open day.

"We had a successful day," he said. "People who turned up were vital, key customers and the feedback we have had has been fabulous.

"The new at height training facility which has been constructed from shipping containers and is designed specifically for rescuing people from difficult, confined and awkward spaces.

"We specialise in offering a wide range of Health and Safety training courses including First Aid, Safe Entry into Confined Spaces, Fire Fighting, IOSH and Work at Height courses.

"We particularly target all aspects of confined space and work at height training, especially the provision of rescue cover for the high risk

categorised work. Unfortunately accidents still occur and awareness of the hazards still needs to be communicated better.

"In Crossgates, there is only one site in Scotland and I have 20 operational rescue men and these guys go out on a daily basis to provide safety and rescue cover.

"We had a team on the Queensferry Crossing when that was being built. We also have people where there are confined spaces – we provide cover at Mossmorran and have a permanent presence there.

"From Crossgates, we provide teams to all over Scotland to a wide range of companies."