Four of Scotland's regional fire and rescue departments are teaming up to carry out a large-scale fire training exercise at Ineos oil refinery in Grangemouth.

The exercise, codenamed Archimedes, will involve five high volume pump (HVP) appliances, which can deliver 22,500 litres of water a minute and are only mobilised to tackle large-scale fires.

Speaking to the BBC, Central Scotland Fire spokesperson David McGown, said that it is essential that fire service workers are able to familiarise themselves with the HVP equipment.

"This particular exercise gives us a unique opportunity to bring together the five HVPs to test their compatibility and for the five fire teams to work in partnership," added Ineos spokesperson Sandy Todd.

Ineos was established in the UK but last month it confirmed that it is to relocate its head office to Switzerland for tax purposes.

Operations at Grangemouth and other UK refineries will remain unaffected by the move, the company reassured investors.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development