MEMBERS of the public who were asked to help name a new police horse have inundated the force with more than 2200 suggestions -- including "Buckfast", "Rascal", "Buckaroo", "Taggart" and "Horsey McHorseface".

Police Scotland took to social media on Monday to ask followers to choose a name for a new Clydesdale in its mounted unit.

Brodick, Harris and Montrose were the three official options, to fit a tradition of naming horses after places in Scotland, but many people responded with alternatives.

Police Scotland responded to the suggestion of "Horsey McHorseface" by pointing out that it "has been taken by a racehorse already so no luck!". But another follower then suggested: "Policey McPolice-Face".

Police Scotland made the appeal to 228,000 followers on its Facebook page, saying: "He's a brown Clydesdale, 4 and a half years old, 17 hands high and has successfully completed his 28 day assessment to join the mounted unit - where he's keeping everyone on their toes!

"Despite his cheeky look he has a very laid back character so is quickly becoming a firm favourite with everyone at the stables.

"The only thing he needs to complete his status is a police horse is a name worthy of one!"

Follower Ian Johnston suggested: "Buck-Fast" while Jim Jackson posted "Harris or bomber to his friends!".

Kayte Merrick posted: "I'm sure there's enough room in the world for 2 horsey mchorse faces!"

Scott Matthews added: "I know it's not on the list but you should call him 'Big Innes' like the highlander from still game that sorted out all the neds lol."

JohnPaul Murray came up with: "Taggart, a very famous name with the law in Scotland", while Lucy Sharp said: "How about Buck? Short for Buckaroo. Or Woody or even Bullseye from toy story :)"

Other suggestions included "Jethro after the band Jethro Tull who wrote a song in tribute to Heavy Horses", "Kevin" and "Just plain Horsey".

All three official options also proved popular, however.

Glyn Jones posted: "Harris is such a beautiful place, a jewel in the crown of the Outer Hebrides. Harris stands quiet but firm and strong in the face of the Atlantic Gales. Just like the Police Horse, a beauty who can be admired but who will stand firm in the face of adversity."

Dave Casson said: "Although he looks like Rascal or maybe Sparky would be a good name, being left with only the three choices, I would have to go with Brodick."

Angus McDonald added that "Montrose is an attractive town, fairly laid back just like your shiny gentle giant", although another pointed out the name "will probably be shortened to Monty".