Strathclyde Fire and Rescue refused to comment ahead of the hearing

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said a number of firefighters attended the hearing.

A second date for remaining firefighters has been set for 28 August and he said "no decision on this matter will be taken before that date".

It follows the refusal of about 10 men to distribute fire safety literature at the Pride Scotia march in Glasgow.

The firefighters, based at Cowcaddens, were reported by superior officers for disobeying orders.

'Highly controversial issue'

Fire Brigades Union Scotland chairman Roddy Robertson said: "We have a job to do for our members but cannot comment.

"It is a highly controversial issue."

Gay rights campaign group Stonewall Scotland said it backed the disciplinary proceedings.

Director Calum Irving said: "A modern fire service does a lot of community safety and trying to reach as many different parts as they can.

"Firefighters visit church groups and other community groups.

"There's no good reason why they should not have been engaged with the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) community, which a number of fire services across Scotland are doing very well."