The threat of a nationwide fuel crisis has been averted after dockers called off a strike over new shift patterns.

Dockers at Grangemouth suspended the industrial action on Friday evening after Forth Ports lifted the imposition of new shift patterns.

A union had claimed fuel supplies at petrol stations across Scotland and the north of England would be affected by the strike at the dockyards.

Unite picket lines at the dock could threaten supplies to petrol forecourts across the country, while Edinburgh Airport told airlines to get fuel elsewhere as a precaution.

There was a mass meeting of the dockers on Friday afternoon who were told the forth ports would lift the shift pattern at the centre of the dispute.

They then voted unanimously to bring the strike to an end as a result of the decision by bosses at the port.

They picketed beside the entrance to the Grangemouth fuel terminal and some tanker drivers refused to cross the line.

Bosses from refinery operator Petroineos said they were "frustrated" that Police Scotland had not moved the picket back to the original location.

The firm previously said access to its road station had to be maintained to "avoid a fuels crisis".

Unite regional officer Sandy Smart said: "We are pleased that Forth Port’s management have lifted their imposition on our members’ shift rotas and agreed to enter into conciliation.

"Our strike action will now be suspended with immediate effect and picket lines will be lifted, enabling full operations at the port to get underway again.

"This is an important first step on the path to resolving this dispute. If Forth Port’s management approach the conciliation with the same spirit in which they accepted our offer then we will be able to negotiate a mutually agreeable outcome."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Our primary responsibility is to keep people safe and prevent them putting themselves or others in danger.

"We also recognise the right to peaceful protest and will liaise with all partners and agencies to ensure those involved in the protest or other users of the Forth Port and Grangemouth area are kept safe and any disruption to the local communities is minimised."