By Sally Cassidy

Wilful fire-raising and hoax calls don’t just waste officers’ time they can cost lives.

That’s why fire-fighter Paul Cairney is hoping that by displaying 0800 555 111 on all appliances will remind the public that they can ring Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously … and help take the heat out of what has become a persistent problem for his local brigade.

Perth is the final division of Tayside Fire and Rescue to put the hotline number on the side of their appliances and like the rest of his colleagues he believes that anonymous tips could save lives and dampen things down by preventing further incidents.

Judging by results elsewhere he could be right as calls to our switchboard are pouring in.

Fire-fighter Paul Cairney with the number for Crimestoppers Scotland's switchboard