Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham says that the recent pay offer to firefighters is 'recognition' for their hard work in their communities.

Ms Whitham, who doubles up her role as MSP with that of Minister for Community Safety, was speaking after firefighters voted to accept a pay deal, aimed at averting strike action, earlier this week.

An improved offer was made in February to the  Fire Brigades Union (FBU) of a seven per cent pay rise backdated to last July and a further five per cent from July this year.

Some 96 per cent of FBU members voted to accept the deal on an 84 per cent turnout.

Ms Whitham said: "This award recognises the skills and dedication of firefighters who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remains a priority for this government, as evidenced by the £10million increase earmarked in the the budget to support service delivery and reform".

General secretary of the FBU Matt Wrack told the PA news agency that although the pay rise will “alter” lives in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, the service still needs further investment and a long-term solution on pay.

He said: “We’ve certainly heard some horror stories about how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting firefighters and some members have clearly, very clearly, said to us, the pay rise will very much alter their lives in that context.

“Firefighters do a brilliant job across the UK dealing with traditional incidents – like fires and road traffic collisions, but also the new emerging threats like those arising from climate change, like extreme weather events, wildfires and floods and so on."

"Investment is needed in other areas besides pay", the union boss continued.