FAMILIES of victims of the Maryhill factory blast are furious after discovering they're to be means-tested if they want to be represented at a forthcoming inquiry.

It follows a ruling by Lord Gill, the Lord Justice Clerk, who will preside over the inquiry when it opens in July.

Now Maryhill MSP Patricia Ferguson has challenged First Minister Alex Salmond over the issue.

And STUC Assistant Secretary Ian Tasker, speaking for the families, said they were "dismayed" by the judge's decision.

At First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Ferguson challenged Mr Salmond to ensure those most affected would have "equal representation" regardless of their means.

Mr Salmond said the government was "determined to ensure that families get appropriate costs and representation in terms of how the inquiry proceeds".

The First Minister said the government was ready to have further meetings on the issue.

Ms Ferguson said Lord Gill's decision meant people earning more that £20,000 would be means-tested. She claimed: "This means there will be people who potentially won't be able to be represented."

Nine people died and 33 were hurt after the plastics factory blast four years ago.

ICL Tech and ICL Plastics were last year fined £400,000 after they admitted breaches of health and safety law.