Evolution specifies bespoke integrated fire and security systems solution for Johnnie Walker Princes Street

A bespoke fire and security solution specified and installed by Evolution, the leading integrated fire and security systems business, is helping to protect visitors and staff at Johnnie Walker Princes Street (JWPS) in the heart of Edinburgh.

Situated on Princes Street, JWPS takes visitors on an immersive journey through the 200-year history behind the world’s best-selling whisky, as well as food and drink experiences, hosted across eight floors of the transformed landmark building in the Scottish capital. It features the 1820 rooftop bar, with stunning views across the city and The Label Studio, which hosts a number of live events and performances throughout the year.

JWPS, which has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s top attractions, is owned by Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands across beer and spirits. Diageo appointed FES Group, one of the UK’s leading technical and building services companies, to tender for the fire and security system, and FES in turn recommended and appointed Evolution to manage the bespoke system’s design and installation.

Evolution’s solution comprises a complete fire detection and alarm system, including disabled refuge systems for emergency evacuation. The security system includes access control, CCTV, intrusion detection and an intelligent International Communications (InterComms) system which enables live communications with an infinite number of doors/master stations with no distance limitations and can be fully integrated with other IP-based systems.

The fire and security systems are fully networked and integrated into an innovative front-end graphics system that enables Diageo’s on-site security staff to monitor and manage all system components in a single platform. The platform has been designed specifically to protect against cyber-threats. This resilient solution has archiving and failover technologies that provide business continuity across a variety of outages.

John Baillie, Head of UK Sales at Evolution, says JWPS is a prime example of Evolution’s capabilities to deliver integrated systems, no matter the size or complexities involved: ‘JWPS is one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, located in a prestigious location and its status as a listed building meant we had to be mindful of a number of potential risks and structural restrictions.

‘From the initial drawings and design phase, through to the commissioning of the new systems, we are proud to have been involved in this project, delivering a complete fire and security system tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.’