SNP President and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton has expressed concern that moves to impose a single 112 emergency number across the EU could signal the end of the familiar 999 number.

An earlier European directive approved the use of 112 as a common number to access emergency services across the EU and this can be used in parallel with local arrangements.

Now there are calls for this to be made more wide ranging - a move which could see the more familiar 999 being replaced by 112.

Commenting on the single emergency number campaign, Ian Hudghton said:

"Public safety must come first in this debate and I would be very concerned if the 999 emergency number were abolished. I do not doubt the good intentions of those who support this campaign, but we must make sure that public safety is not compromised because of EU dogma.

"In Scotland we are most familiar with one number for emergency services and that's 999. Whilst mobile networks might offer the 112 option, it would seem to make little sense to do away with 999 completely.

"Perhaps a more sensible approach would be to have both numbers available - with 112 available across the EU, but with local access numbers remaining operational."

Regarding the issue of language barriers and communication difficulties, Mr Hudghton added:

"It's being suggested that a single emergency number could help in situations where emergency operators and callers don't share a common language, as might be the case for holidaymakers.

"This is certainly an area that needs to be looked at, but perhaps a combination of EU funded language training for operators and investment in new technology would be more effective - and safer - than one single emergency number."