SCOTLAND’S retained firefighters have overwhelmingly backed a deal their union has hailed as the best in two decades.

The Retained Duty System (RDS) firefighters have voted 72 per cent in favour of accepting a new package negotiated between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and their union, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Retained teams — who provide the essential service to around 80 per cent of Scotland’s landmass — are paid to be on standby between 90 and 120 hours a week.

They can usually be expected to respond to calls within five to eight minutes, primarily across rural Scotland.

The deal will see improvements to pay, the annual retaining fee and disturbance payments, but will also crucially deliver increased flexibility on hours of availability, and an enhanced training package from January 1.

Welcoming the ballot result, FBU Scottish regional secretary John McKenzie said: “Retained firefighters play a vital role keeping our community across Scotland safe.

“I am pleased our retained members are starting 2025 with this new deal that delivers the biggest improvement in pay and conditions in 20 years.”

The SFRS was contacted for comment.