The "avoidable" death of a firefighter in Edinburgh has forced the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to learn "critical lessons" about training and major incidents.

A harrowing minute-by-minute timeline of events leading to the death of Ewan Williamson while he fought a fire in a pub in the city is laid bare in a review.

The 35-year-old died as he tackled a blaze in the basement of the former Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road on July 12, 2009.

The review, published a year after the service was fined £54,000 for health and safety breaches linked to Mr Williamson’s death, outlines a number of recommendations.

Produced in partnership with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), it called for major improvements to breathing apparatus training, communications and the command of major incidents.

The review found firefighters were given "limited or incomplete briefings" about breathing apparatus, putting them at risk.

It also specified a new policy for the tactical ventilation of buildings should be drafted. This is to avoid spreading the fire as on the night of the Balmoral Bar blaze when the ground floor windows were smashed, allowing oxygen to enter and "feed" the flames.

Mr Williamson became separated from his colleague as they tried to leave the smoke-filled venue.

The pair had been attempting to locate the blaze in the basement but had retreated due to zero visibility and extreme heat. They were following a hose line to find their way out of the burning building when they lost contact.

Mr Williamson became stuck in the men’s toilets on the ground floor, directly above the fire in the basement office.

The report describes the moment the incident commander made contact with Mr Williamson on the radio system.

He replied: "I will be there in a minute, boss, I'm just coming, I'm stuck. I think I'm stuck in a toilet."

It notes how Mr Williamson’s colleagues battled to find him before being evacuated when the floor collapsed.

His body was later recovered through a boarded-up toilet window after firefighters cut through nine layers of material including steel bars, timber and steel.

A baby was among 16 people rescued from neighbouring properties.

Mr Williamson was the only firefighter in the legacy Lothian and Borders Fire Service's history to die in the course of their duties.

Chris McGlone, executive council member of the FBU, said: "Ewan Williamson’s death in the line of duty, at a fire in the Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh was tragic, avoidable and unacceptable.

"The investigation and subsequent court proceedings delayed the embedding of any significant changes throughout Scotland in response to the events surrounding Ewan’s death.

"However, we are pleased that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has identified the significant challenges that this incident highlighted."

He added: "We believe that this report can be the start of that journey and will help us to achieve our shared aim that no firefighter should lose their life protecting our communities."

SFRS chief officer Alasdair Hay said: "The role of a firefighter will always be inherently dangerous but this report will help us reduce potential risk through more effective procedures and a culture of continuous improvement.

"We recognise just how difficult this experience has been for Ewan's family, colleagues and friends and we are committed to ensuring that Ewan leaves a legacy of improved safety for his fellow firefighters across Scotland."