THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is facing a number of health and safety charges following the death of a firefighter more than four years ago.
Prosecutors brought charges after Ewan Williamson died while tackling a basement blaze at the Balmoral Bar in Dalry Road, Edinburgh in July 2009.
Around 20 people were rescued from the building, but the 35-year-old lost his life after he became trapped.
A case was yesterday called against the fire service at the High Court in Glasgow where they faced three charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
It includes a claim that there was a failure to prioritise Mr Williamson's rescue and a claim that there was a lack of appropriate training for firefighters in relation to tackling basement fires.
Mr Williamson worked for the then Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Board before the new service was formed in April this year.
Peter Gray QC, representing the fire service, yesterday said there will be a challenge to the "competency and relevancy" of the charges.
Judge Lord Turnbull set a debate on this issue due to take place at the High Court in Edinburgh on December 6.
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