The strike across the country was reflected in Aberdeen

All 176 schools in Aberdeenshire were shut as were all but two in Aberdeen as part of the national pensions action.

Several schools in Moray, Orkney and Shetland were also closed, with Shetland ferry services badly affected.

One Aberdeen striker said: "Hopefully there will be a swift resolution but that lies with the government."

Hundreds of workers marched up Aberdeen's main Union Street as part of the protest.

More than 100 people also marched through the streets of Lerwick in protest at the changes to public sector pension rights.

Civilian staff

Most of the city council buildings in Aberdeen were closed to the public.

Civilian staff at Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service joined the industrial action, but emergency council services were still operating.

We would rather be at work but we will not be backing down Ron Stobie Grampian Fire and Rescue Service

Among the strikers at Grampian Fire and Rescue Service in Aberdeen's North Anderson Drive was mechanic Ron Stobie. He said colleagues and the public had been supportive.

Married father-of-one Mr Stobie, 46, a T&G union shop steward, said: "Hopefully there will be a swift and satisfactory resolution but that lies with the government.

"The government are taking our pensions from us.

Rubbish affected

"We would rather be at work but we will not be backing down, it's just the one day at the moment and we will see where it goes from there.

"We are getting lots of support from work colleagues and members of the public who are tooting their horns - they seem sympathetic."

Rubbish collections were also affected in many areas.

Six Moray schools were closed, as were several on Orkney and Shetland.

Most inter-island ferry services have been cancelled on Shetland, with the exception of the Bressay route.

Ferry services were running as normal on Orkney, but libraries and museums were closed.