Force confirms 100 new recruits

Scottish police recruits pass out earlier this year

Northern Constabulary is to have taken on more than 100 officers by next year, according to the justice secretary.

Kenny MacAskill was visiting Inverness to see how the force was coping and to meet the two latest recruits.

David Ross, of the police federation, said there had been a turnaround in staffing levels.

The comments came as another force admitted a reduction in its officers was "likely", sparking concern over government pledges on police numbers.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said cuts would be needed in order to cope with serious budget pressures.

It has already introduced a recruitment freeze in a bid to tackle the problem.