Dumbarton teen Isla Overend has been hailed as a role model for other young people through her work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Isla was a watch commander with the SFRS’s Youth Volunteer Scheme at Dumbarton Fire Station.

Earlier this year, she was named joint runner-up in the Young Person Role Model category at the prestigious Women in the Fire Service Awards.

Reflecting on her success Isla said: “When I heard I had been named as joint runner-up I was in total shock, it felt like a dream.

“My work with the Youth Volunteer Scheme isn’t something I ever did to be recognised but being recognised is amazing. I never expected it and it still hasn’t really sunk in.”

Dumbarton Youth Volunteer Scheme shared the good news about Isla on Facebook last week.

The YVS post said: “It’s hard to write a post which would reflect how much of a role model Isla has been at our unit over the past few years, but safe to say she has embraced every challenge thrown at her and gave them all 100 per cent.”

Isla said: “I have no doubt in my mind that had I not been part of this scheme, I wouldn’t have had the confidence, experiences, determination, skills and knowledge to choose what is thought of as a leap of faith - especially as my guidance teacher told me I was capable of more when I told her I was leaving school.”

The 18-year-old was also awarded Young Firefighter of the Year 2018 and 2019 after working as part of the then newly launched YVS with Scottish and Fire Rescue.

Isla added: “Being involved with the YVS, I’ve learned so many unique skills that you don’t learn at school.

“The Youth Volunteer Scheme teaches skills like first aid as well as respect, teamwork and the ability to communicate clearly.”

Isla is currently a member of SFRS support staff at the regional headquarters in Johnstone, Renfrewshire. She encourages any young person in Dumbarton and the Vale to be involved in YVS.

She said: “It has been amazing and I would say to anyone who was considering joining to just got for it.”

For those interested in participating in the YVS contact sfrs.youthengagement@firescotland.gov.uk.