THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is heading for a “deep and long-lasting crisis if a series of disastrous and swingeing cuts are implemented,” the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned today.

The damning intervention came after service bosses released figures showing the extent of cuts they predict will be needed over the next four years, linked to declining real-terms funding from SNP ministers.

The emergency service, which is bracing itself for more devastating wildfires as climate change worsens, said it is set to lose £11.07 million this financial year, £11.3m next year, £7.3m in 2025-26 and £6.9m in 2026-27.