Scotland's eight existing fire brigades are to be merged into one unitary authority which will cover the whole country.

The new service should be in place by April next year and the two new engines – which have just been delivered to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service – are the first to be ordered since the shake-up was announced.

The appliances, which cost just over £200,000 each and carry about £100,000 worth of equipment, have been badged under the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service name.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service's fleet manager Raymond Cheyne said: "We wanted to celebrate the new Scottish service coming into place so chose to use the Saltire."

He said the badges could be changed when a standard livery for the new service is decided.