The chief superintendents have been appointed to oversee policing in communities when Scotland's eight forces merge into Police Scotland on April 1.

This includes response and community officers, local crime investigation, road policing, public protection and local intelligence.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, who is in charge of Strathclyde's G division, will take on the role of local police commander in Greater Glasgow.

In addition, Ch Supt John Thomson will command in Ayrshire, Ch Supt Nelson Telfer in Lanarkshire, Ch Supt Russell Dunn in Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, and Ch Supt Alan Spiers in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Chief Constable Steve House said: "I am delighted we have this key team now in place.

"Their work is right at the heart of the new single police service for Scotland and will ensure that we maintain and build on the high quality of policing already in place."

The appointments come after consultations with every local authority and the team will be led by Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick.

Her local policing team also includes three assistant chief constables working closely with those announced today to cover the north, east and west commands.

She said: "The local commanders will work closely with communities to reflect their concerns in highly- localised policing plans, one for every council ward area in Scotland.

"They will be the recognisable and visible faces leading on local policing from Shetland to the Solway Firth.

"They will be responsible for ensuring the best possible service to our communities by working with the public to identify local priorities, tackle the issues of greatest concern and maintain the performance which has seen record low crime levels."

The other commanders include Ch Supt Mark Williams in Edinburgh, Ch Supt Jeanette McDiarmid in Lothians & Borders, and Ch Supt Adrian Watson in Aberdeen City.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk