A UNION leader has accused the chairman of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of undermining attempts to get a better pay deal for all UK firefighters.

The UK's Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack claimed that Pat Watters had suggested a separate deal for those in Scotland and this was driving a wedge between firefighters.

Wrack hit out at what he said was a “provocative” intervention by Watters after the chairman said Scottish firefighters should be properly rewarded.

Wrack said the call was unhelpful at a time the FBU is involved in pay talks. The FBU leader said the remarks undermined attempts to get an UK-wide increase for firefighters.

Wrack maintained there should not be different pay levels across the UK because firefighters often cross borders for their work.

In response Watters said: "We recently shared a vision with our own firefighters that would extend their role into new areas and see them do so much more for the communities they serve. In return, we would look to negotiate an improved recognition package for these new responsibilities and terms and conditions – this is right and fair."