TAXI app Uber will launch in Scotland for the first time today when it opens a booking office in Glasgow.

The controversial online taxi service, which matches customers to their closest available drivers using smartphone technology, will begin taking bookings from 4pm today [Friday].

Uber applied to Glasgow City Council for a three-year licence for their booking office earlier this year, but has only been granted a licence for one year initially.

The council also stipulated as a condition of granting permission that only licensed drivers and vehicles could be used, applying to same restrictions to the Uber business as any other private hire taxi firm.

The company has faced criticism in other countries for using drivers who are untrained, unlicensed and uninsured, and avoiding taxes and licensing fees.

It has been banned in Spain and London cabbies have been angered by lost trade and allegedly poor regulation of the service.

In August, court papers lodged in California accused Uber of not doing enough to check the backgrounds of drivers in the United States, claiming it had employed former murderers, sexual offenders and thieves.

Stephen Flynn, vice chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd said: “Our track record speaks for itself. Glasgow Taxis Ltd is proud to continue to serve the people of Glasgow, support local causes and be there when really needed, especially in times of crisis.

“Passenger safety is absolutely paramount and that is where we stand apart as all our drivers have full PVG disclosure approved by the local authority. There can be no substitute for safety.”

Uber stressed that all its partner-drivers in the UK must pass an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and it would bring "safe, convenient and low-cost travel" to Glasgow.

Max Lines, General Manager for Uber Glasgow, said: “Today, for the first time, Scotsmen and women will be able to sign up and ride in an uberX, Uber’s affordable, fast and reliable service.

“Uber is not only incredibly convenient for riders, it also enables professional drivers the opportunity to partner with us and become their own bosses, choosing when they work.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council: “Uber, the mobile phone app for taxi hire, was granted a licence for a booking office in Glasgow for one-year following a decision by the Licensing Committee on April 29.”

Uber has also applied to launch its app in Edinburgh but a shortage of suitable candidates to oversee the business north of the Border is expected to delay its launch in the capital until 2016.

A spokesman for the firm previously said they were seeking people with a background in banking and management consultancy.