Object: Early Fire Engine

Date: 19th C

Description : This photograph of perhaps the first motorised Rothesay fire engine probably dates from sometime after 1926.  In October of 1913 the Buteman published the report of a Town Council meeting to discuss the possibility of purchasing a fire engine.  The preferred option was the purchase of a second hand horse drawn steam powered engine from Partick Fire Station as they had replaced it with a motorised one.  The sub-committee recommended spending £100 to purchase this machine but when this was put to the Council it was suggested that it would be more prudent to spend £800 to purchase an up to date motorised engine which would be far more efficient.  When put to a vote it was the purchase of the second hand steam horse drawn fire engine which was passed but this was replaced by the one in the photo at a later date. (Transport) (P03-3194, B21.22)