MODEST increases to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) funding “won’t touch the sides” after years of cuts, the FBU warned today.

The latest Scottish government Budget — which passed its final Holyrood hurdle on Tuesday — included an increase in cash for SFRS from its £393.4 million settlement in 2024-25 to £412.2m in the coming year.

The FBU however warned that this increase will be wiped out by inflation and falls well short of what is needed in a service which has lost 1,200 firefighter posts in 13 years and increasingly operates from “crumbling buildings.”

FBU executive council member for Scotland Colin Brown said: “SFRS is in a state of crisis after years of underfunding.

“The fire service needs serious long-term investment to equip firefighters to protect homes and lives.

“Cuts to firefighters, fire engines and stations across Scotland have brought the service to its knees in recent years. 

“This Budget is a step in the right direction, but won’t touch the sides.”

Mr Brown said the Scottish government must commit to reverse cuts and provide the funding the service “desperately needs.” 

The Scottish government and SFRS were contacted for comment.