THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is making good progress on its "journey of change", although considerable work remains to be done, claims a report.

Inspectors assessed the service eight months after the country's eight fire brigades and one training college were merged.

Their report said they found that, to the best of their knowledge, the merger did not negatively affect operational response.

The inspectors also give credit to the single service's board and strategic leadership team because it may complete its first year within budget.

Steven Torrie, HM Chief Inspector of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said:"As you might expect in the early stages of such a significant reorganisation, there are issues we call the service's attention to around service delivery, management and supervision and the delivery of benefits from reform."