Security alert summit called

Security has been increased at airports

Scotland's police chiefs have been called to a top level summit to review security measures as the UK continues to be on heightened alert over the threat of terrorist attacks.

Security operations at Scotland's airports have been increased but not to the extent which is visible at Heathrow in London.

First Minister Jack McConnell said there was no specific threat to Scotland and Thursday's meeting was part of the general continuing review of security arrangements.

It was not prompted by the newly-introduced Heathrow measures which have seen armoured tanks patrolling the perimeter of the airport, he said.

Jack McConnell: No specific threat

Chief constables from Scotland's police forces will tell Mr McConnell of their contingency plans at the summit.

Lord Advocate Colin Boyd and Justice Minister Jim Wallace will also be present at the meeting which will take place at Bute House, Mr McConnell's official residence in Edinburgh.

Mr McConnell said that "international terrorism can reach far and wide" and Scotland was not immune from it.

He said that proper security arrangements had to be in place to support those who had "the difficult job making sure Scotland is as secure as it can be".

The summit move was disclosed after Wednesday's meeting of the Scottish cabinet where Mr Wallace updated ministers on the latest situation, a spokesman said.

Constant review

"There remains a high level of threat from terrorism, as the current international situation makes clear," said the spokesman.

"The executive is keeping security measures under constant review, and as part of this work the first minister will chair Thursday's meeting."

The spokesman said the Lord Advocate also briefed ministers on recent arrests under anti-terrorist legislation.

"It's part of our continuing review of security contingencies, and the chief constables will be there to brief ministers on the contingencies they have," he said.