Firefighters have raised concerns at the chronic under funding of fire and rescue services as the responded to the havoc caused by Storm Desmond last weekend.
Between 2011 and 2015 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has seen a reduction of 449 firefighters (6%). This has already led to fire engines being unavailable in various parts of Scotland.
Like other fire and rescue services across the UK, the Scottish service has been hit by cuts and a significant reduction in numbers. The Fire Brigade Union says this will increasingly obstruct the fire and rescue service response.
Mark Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
"The Scottish Government told us that shifting to the single fire and rescue service would protect the front line services but since then we have seen further cuts and job losses."
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