Commenting after visiting blue-light services in West Aberdeenshire today with local MSP Mike Rumbles, Tavish Scott, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said:

“People need to be confident that if they dial 999 that emergency help will be with them quickly.

“This is particularly important for those living in remote and rural areas. I heard real concerns from retained fire-fighters in Aboyne today that removing the opt-out to the Working Time Directive could sound the death knell for retained fire services across the country.

“That is why Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign locally, in Holyrood, Westminster and Europe for sufficient flexibility in the directive to allow our retained servicemen and women to continue their valuable work.”

Mike Rumbles added:

“Although it’s great to have a fulltime ambulance serving Deeside, concerns have been expressed regarding the level of cover for Braemar, given the length of time it will take the ambulance to travel from Ballater.

“I will continue to work with the Scottish Ambulance Service and local community representatives to ensure that we have a safe and reliable ambulance service for Braemar, Ballater, Aboyne and other rural communities.”