When Laura Robinson took up a job cleaning the floors of Cowcaddens Fire Station she never imagined it would lead her to a new career saving lives.

But after two years as a janitor for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the mother-of-two has swapped her mops and marigolds for a role as a professional firefighter.

The 33-year-old, who spent 14 years in the army, including spending time in Iraq, took up her janitorial position after returning to Scotland with her husband Matthew and their two daughters Ellie, 12, and Evie, 7, in 2016.

Mrs Robinson explained: “I met my husband in the army. We were married at 21, and then I went to Iraq in 2005 – and my time in the forces has made me who I am today.

“Ellie was born in 2006, and it was when I was pregnant with Evie that I started to think it was about the right time to come back home.

“I wanted to get the girls settled in school back here, and with Matthew being away with his work in the forces, I was often on my own out there with no other family. It was hard.

“I was also aware of my own career options, and that was going to be difficult living in an  army estate in Germany.  Unfortunately I then found it really difficult to get a job back here, as a lot of my qualifications that I’d worked for over there didn’t quite match up.

“I’d thought about the fire service, and I came across this job as a General Assistant at Glasgow area headquarters and Cowcaddens Fire Station – so I just decided to become a wee jannie.

“By the time the next intake for firefighters was approaching, everyone at the station knew I fancied it and they really supported me to go for it.

“They even helped me in the gym! To be honest, when I left the army, I’d piled on the weight a bit, so had to work hard in the gym to pass my fitness assessment.

“But I gave it my all, and put a lot into my application, and here I am – I’ve never looked back.”

Mrs Robinson joined the army at the age of 16, leaving home to join the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

After months of intensive training with the REME Corps, near Reading, she began a new life as an army mechanic in 2002 with the  Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Fallingbostel, Germany, travelling across Europe and the Middle East.

Speaking as SFRS continued its national recruitment campaign, she said: “There was nothing more exciting than driving a tank.

“We worked on the whole army fleet, but I really liked the 432s – they’re almost like wee mini-tanks. 

“It was an exciting job, as every day I’d go into work and didn’t know what was going to happen.

“There was also the discipline side, following orders, and looking smart in your uniform – all aspects of the job that I liked.

“Working as a firefighter is exactly like that. You get the same buzz – you really just don’t know what you’re going to face every single day.”

Mrs Robinson began her new role at Easterhouse Community Fire Station last summer and hopes that people from all backgrounds will follow in her footsteps and apply to join the service.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” she said. “Life’s a challenge but you need to give it a go.

“I hope no one is put off applying because they’re unsure about the physical side, or put off by the idea of being one of few women.

“Look at me – I’m five foot one, short and a bit stumpy, but everyone has their own skills and attributes. There’s one guy in our team that’s 6ft 4 – he’s not getting through the same small gap that I can fit through. 

“Yes, the training is hard. Physically and mentally, it was tough – but it has to be.

“I’m the only female in our team, but I go to work and it’s like I’ve got nine of the most supportive dads who look after me. 

“And I’d say don’t let family life get in the way. I want my girls to grow up and think and wow, look at my mum.

“Being able to plan my shifts so far ahead is also a huge support with family life, especially with my husband being away with his job. 

“My oldest daughter, Ellie told all her pals in school that her mum’s a firefighter, which they thought was so cool.

“Then they see me and I’m tiny – and they can’t believe it.”

Applications to become a full-time firefighter close on Monday on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.