You will only get a FIS from me!
I was working the usual EZE under RAS from Humberside to Aberdeen, as the ac approached the northern end of the Vale of York I was advised by Scot Mil that they were working to capacity and that they would not be able to provide the ac a service. I then spoke to Scot Civ who said they would work the traffic, but it would only get a FIS.
This was explained to the pilot, who's voice went up a couple of octaves, and stated that this was unacceptable. I then hurriedly arranged an airways joining clearance with the same Civ sector for the ac to join at NEW and fly the long way around.
The question is, how often does this happen? and secondly I had to confirm that only a FIS would be provided rather than a limited radar service which is the usuall fall back if the controller is busy.