A VULNERABLE Biggar resident has had a free fire alarm system installed as part of a national goodwill initiative.

Older and disabled people have been identified by Care and Repair Scotland, the charity which helps householders improve or adapt a home which is no longer suitable, as part of the scheme.

Every home now needs to have interlinked fire alarms after the law in Scotland changed on February 1.

The Alarm Ambassadors campaign, run by electrical trade association SELECT, will see free systems installed in homes to ensure vulnerable householders comply with the new rules.

Chris Liddell, of 2 Core Electrics, fitted heat, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in a home in Biggar on Friday, February 4 after signing up for the campaign.

He said: “We are only too happy to assist with the Alarms Ambassadors campaign, which will help to highlight the importance of domestic alarms in keeping people safe and reducing fire deaths across Scotland.

“Having compliant alarms installed by professional qualified electricians will contribute towards peace of mind for residents and 2 Core Electrics is delighted to be able to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Alan Wilson, managing director of SELECT, said: “We are grateful to Chris and 2 Core Electrics for volunteering to take part in the Alarm Ambassadors initiative.

“The campaign is designed to help those in genuine need – and remind the public of the importance of using compliant products, installed by qualified electricians where possible, to meet the new legislation which came into effect on February 1.”

The new government standard requires that all homes in Scotland have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

Mr Wilson added: “The Scottish Government has said that any necessary work should be done within ‘a reasonable period’ after February 1, taking into account individual circumstances.

“However, while homeowners do still have this time to become compliant, now is the moment to consult with a properly qualified electrician and plan any additions or alterations which may be needed.”