Funding for capital police force

Ms Jamieson said the force faced "unique" pressure

Lothian and Borders Police is to benefit from a £600,000 funding boost from the Scottish Executive.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said the money would be used to help the force deal with the "unique" pressure of policing Scotland's capital.

Police in Edinburgh are responsible for the Scottish Parliament's security, a Royal residence, VIP visits, conferences and festivals.

The force's chief constable Paddy Tomkins welcomed the move.

Ms Jamieson said: "You only have to look around the city at the thousands of extra visitors attracted by the festivals to realise that.

"The executive has therefore decided to provide an additional sum of £600,000."

This decision will enable us to secure greater stability for community policing across the city Paddy Tomkins Lothian and Borders Police

Mr Tomkins said: "I am delighted that the minister has responded so positively to our case for funding to address the particular challenges of policing our nation's capital city.

"Communities throughout Scotland and the Scottish Borders are already benefiting from the creation of a single police division for Edinburgh as we have greatly reduced the need to draw in colleagues from other areas of the force to police major events.

"This decision will enable us to continue that trend and to secure greater stability for community policing across the city."

Bobbies on beat

Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle said the funding would enable the police to better protect the community.

The party's deputy justice spokesperson said: "As a former member of the Lothian and Borders police board I have been campaigning for a long time for additional resources for policing in Edinburgh.

"I am delighted that the executive has recognised that our police need additional resources to match the additional responsibilities they face.

"This extra cash for policing in the capital is just the ticket for our bobbies as they begin policing the Edinburgh Festival.

"When you consider the economic growth in the capital and the added burden of policing major events, the parliament and Royal and VIP visits, the case for additional funding is clear."