Scottish police force mergers to be discussed

Senior officers have studied the possibility of merging the existing forces

Controversial plans to restructure Scotland's police forces are to be discussed by a new committee set up by the government.

The first meeting of the Scottish Policing Board is expected to examine the possibility of merging eight forces into three or even one constabulary.

The committee brings together members of the eight joint police boards.

It will consider a report from four deputy chief constables who have been studying the future of policing.

It is understood the senior officers have not made any recommendations, but instead will ask for permission to carry out more detailed work on the cost of shutting existing forces.

The report comes amid warnings from forces over the need for possible savage budget cuts.

Plans to merge forces would be resisted by police unions, and would attract political opposition.

The Liberal Democrats have said it would lead to a loss of local accountability.