Perth would be the best option for a national headquarters for the new Fire and Rescue Service for Scotland, according to MSP Murdo Fraser.
He spoke up in favour of Perth after it was revealed Aberdeen has been chosen for the northern hub of the service.
The hub will incorporate the old Grampian, Tayside and Highlands fire service areas when all eight merge at the start of April.
How it will be structured is still being decided, although it is hoped there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result.
Mr Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said of the news: “Aberdeen is the ideal location for the northern hub of the service, and I believe that Perth is the perfect site for the main Scottish headquarters.
“In Parliament I have promoted Perth’s case for being awarded the permanent headquarters of the fire and rescue service as the city is currently home to its interim base.
“With its central location in Scotland, its good transport links and its affordable accommodation, Perth is the ideal place to host the national fire and rescue service headquarters.”
“In terms of efficiency and service continuity, it makes a lot of sense to establish the permanent base in the same location as the interim base.”