Highland police gun row raised at Holyrood
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THE row over the use of armed police in the Highlands has been raised in the Scottish Parliament.
Members of the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing agreed to write to Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to seek their position on the gun issue.
The policy of routine officers carrying guns during patrols in the region has prompted anger from politicians, who believe the tactics are unnecessary.
Committee member, Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie, said: “We are writing to Police Scotland and the Police Authority and asking them how the guns policy has come to this point.”
Before the merger of Police Scotland, guns were deployed for major incidents only.
But 30 officers across the Highlands and Islands are now authorised to carry weapons in hip holsters for more routine duties such as patrolling the streets at pub closing times.
Mr Finnie said drunk people and police guns “just don’t mix”.
