The only full-time station is in Inverness

Councillor Drew MacFarlane-Slack wants the executive to launch a review into the funding of fire brigades, similar to the Arbuthnott Report into the health service.

It recommended a major re-allocation of resources across Scotland and the introduction of a needs-based approach.

Highland and Islands Fire Brigade has only one full-time fire station, in Inverness.

The rest of the area is covered by retained and auxiliary personnel.

Last year Highlands and Islands firemaster Brian Murray called for more funding to ensure the safety of his crews.

He said in November that extra money was urgently needed to address a funding shortfall and bring the brigade up to the minimum professional standard.

The brigade has 900 auxiliary staff

His plea came amid concern that community firefighters were putting their lives at risk because of a lack of proper training and equipment.

Mr Murray said �10m was required to upgrade auxiliary stations and a further �10m was needed to bring the brigade up to the minimum professional level expected.

More than 900 of the area's 1,500 firefighters are part time or volunteers.

Mr MacFarlane-Slack said the brigade was doing a good job, despite the tight financial restraints.

But he believed the time had come for a major overhaul of the way fire service resources are allocated across Scotland.