SCOTTISH Government minister Siobhian Brown has defended funding levels for the fire service amid controversial staff cuts in Inverclyde and insists that frontline services are being maintained.

Inverclyde councillors have united to unanimously oppose the cuts by backing a motion by Councillor Tommy McVey which calls on the government to fully fund the fire service and prevent restructuring in Greenock.

Under the controversial Scottish Fire & Rescue Service proposals Inverclyde is set to lose at least 10 firefighters and a high reach appliance as part of a £36m package.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Ms Brown said: “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) is a vital service which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, we are providing it with more than £368 million this year, an increase of £14.4 million on 2023/23.

"We are also maintaining frontline services, with a higher number of firefighters in Scotland than other parts of the UK with 11 firefighters to every 10,000 of population compared to six in England and eight in Wales.

"We are pleased firefighters also recently accepted an improved pay offer.”