A former chief fire officer is taking the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to an Employment Tribunal to claim compensation for alleged age discrimination.

David Dalziel was the chief at Grampian Fire and Rescue Service for eight years but claims he was turned down for a number of key roles when the new national fire service formed in April this year.

The 62-year-old is now taking the service to an Employment Tribunal alleging age discrimination.

Mr Dalziel is expected to claim he was forced to resign after missed out on top positions due to his age.

Paul Lefevre, of Aberdeen-based Quantum Claims, who is acting for Mr Dalziel, said: “Mr Dalziel had about 44 years’ service with the fire service and had reached the highest position you can reach within Aberdeen.

“If successful, the compensation in this case could be substantial.

“Our position is that he was not considered for any substantive role within the new organisation and that was related to his age. Following events of the selection process, his position was made untenable.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are aware that papers have been lodged in relation to an employment tribunal and as such it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Mr Dalziel raised concerns and was outspoken prior to the formation of a national fire service claiming more planning was needed.

He claimed the merger was “rushed”.

Mr Dalziel currently advises the UK Government as a consultant on emergency planning and crisis management.

The tribunal is due to take place in Aberdeen next month.