A FABULOUS old fire engine which was based in Port Glasgow around half a century ago has been lovingly restored to its former glory and now sits in the local station.

The Dennis F108 Water Tender was the last wheeled escape carrying vehicle to have been ordered by a Scottish fire brigade in 1970.

It was stationed at the Port before being shipped to Rothesay where it served into the late 80s.

The vehicle has been lovingly restored by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Heritage Trust.

Trust chairman Dave Adam says he's delighted to see it back in Port Glasgow.

Dave said: "This vehicle is a real piece of Scottish fire history and over the years it had fallen into disrepair.

"We take the vehicles out to different events and were a bit embarrassed, as it wasn't looking its best.

"We got the funds together to respray, repair and restore it, and we've had the inside lockers sorted too.

"The bulk of the work was carried out by Heritage Trust volunteers and it has been brilliant seeing it all come together."

Dave, who served in the fire service for over three decades before retiring, says the vehicle brings back memories for him too.

The firefighter of 35 years told the Tele: "While I wasn't on this vehicle in particular, I was using similar pump escape engines when I was working.

"It's a real piece of history for Port Glasgow and it's great it has returned here."

The refurb work was completed by D & G Coachworks in Beith and two volunteers - former firefighters Bert MacDougall and David McAusland.

David, who was workshop manager during the vehicle's original working stint, said: "Whilst the work is now completed there will be ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure it is kept in a good standard.

"It is one of the many fire engines that we look after here at the trust."

The vehicle, delivered to the Western Area Fire Brigade over 50 years ago, has a 50ft escape ladder.

Dave said: "We attend public events all over the country and get requests in from various places to come along with one of our vehicles.

"We had planned a big VE Day celebration, but that along with over 200 of the events we'd usually go to were cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

"We're hoping that this year we'll be able to get back out there and people will be able to see and appreciate the work that has been completed in person."