Commenting on the interim statement from Grampian and Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) on their opposition to moves by the SNP to centralise the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown said:

“This interim statement from the GFRS reflects the increasing concerns that Liberal Democrats and others have about the SNP’s rushed and ill considered centralisation plans.

“The SNP must be dismayed at the growing opposition to the loss of locally controlled fire and police services.

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the SNP should scrap these plans and have a genuinely independent re-examination of the appropriate structures for police and fire services in Scotland