Scottish Government press ahead with police “power grab” — McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has accused the Government of a “huge power grab” following the publication of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Mr McArthur says the Bill, which sets out plans to establish single police and fire services for Scotland, puts community-based policing in Orkney at risk and also threatens the future of retained fire stations on the outer isles.

However, announcing the Bill yesterday, justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the amalgamations will bring local services to the heart of communities.