Tributes pour in for firefighter

Mr Salmond paid tribute to John Noble during FMQs

Alex Salmond has paid tribute to firefighter John Noble who died while answering an emergency call.

Speaking during First Minister's Questions, Mr Salmond said the tragedy was a reminder of the risks faced by those in the emergency services.

John Noble was killed and four others injured when their fire appliance crashed into a tree on Wednesday.

Tributes have also been received from across the world after an online book of condolence was opened.

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service has also opened a book of condolence at Alloa fire station where Mr Noble was based.

Mr Salmond told those assembled in the Scottish Parliament: "The whole chamber will want to acknowledge and to offer their condolences to the family of John Noble.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all fire officers for their bravery and professionalism and for this officer who was attending an emergency Mr Chamberlain Tillicoultry

"It does remind us our emergency services, on a whole range of activities, put themselves at risk every single day and we have a tragedy like this that serves as a reminder to the efforts they make everyday on our behalf."

Online tributes included Randy Simpson, from Mendota, Illinois in the US, who wrote: "The Mendota Fire Department would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service on the loss of Firefighter John Noble.

"Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Firefighter Noble's family through this most difficult time."

Another wrote: "Deepest sympathies to family, friends and colleagues on behalf of all firefighters at Mexborough Fire Station South Yorkshire."

Group Commander Andy of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service wrote: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time."

Colleagues of Mr Noble also paid tribute. Heath Burnside at the Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service's Maddiston headquarters in Falkirk, described the firefighter as "a true gentleman, and a honour to work alongside".

He added: "My thoughts are with his family and the watch."

One local man, identifying himself as Mr Chamberlain of Tillicoultry, where the accident happened, wrote: "May I offer my deepest sympathy to the family, relatives and friends at such a tragic time.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to all fire officers for their bravery and professionalism and for this officer who was attending an emergency - all the more realisation of the many dangers they do face - to assist we the public. R.I.P."