The police force with the biggest beat in the UK has revealed plans to supply its officers with CS spray.

Northern Constabulary chiefs, whose area includes the Highlands and islands, hope their application for £250,000 to update safety equipment will be accepted by the Police Board.

The package requested includes canisters of CS spray which incapacitate an attacker when squirted in the eyes.

If the request is accepted, Northern Constabulary would be the third police force in Scotland to equip officers with the spray.

But questions are being asked about whether the Highlands - which has relatively low crime rates - needs such a controversial form of self-defence.

Concerns expressed

Deputy chief constable Keith Cullen said the remote nature of the region meant local policemen were likely to have to deal with violent situations on their own.

Since police forces began introducing the spray, primarily for use in self-defence, there has been concern about its frequent deployment as a method of restraint or control.

Highland MSP Jamie Stone, who has served on the Police Board, has expressed fears that the spray could spark trouble.

He believes there is a danger that violence might escalate as troublemakers try "to go one better" and challenge the CS spray-carrying officers.

Mr Stone said he planned to raise the issue in the Scottish Parliament.