Police stations to close – including five in Aberdeen

Numerous police stations across the north and north-east are set to shut after Police Scotland announced mass closures across Scotland.

The major announcement is part of an organisation-wide restructure.

Five police stations could close in Aberdeen including Mastrick, Seaton, Torry, Rosemount and Whinhill.

The Muir of Ord police station is also at risk.

Other building at risk are located in Portlethen, Peterhead, Lairg and Whalsay –  however, they are no longer in use and are vacant.

The hope is for funds to be raised from the sale of the sites that could be reinvested into vital policing services.

Other factors include the police’s current roster of buildings, which the force says contains many outdated stations no longer “fit for purpose”.

Views will be sought on Police station closures

Police Scotland has said it will “consult and engage” with the public on the proposals.

They have also written to local authority members, acknowledging that there will be “legitimate concerns” from partners and our communities about any potential closures.

Local Divisional Commanders had been asked to identify where they would want to locate their resources to better serve their community.

They are also being asked to highlight any buildings which are underused or are surplus, where officers can be relocated elsewhere.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Our estate needs to be fit for 21st-century policing, putting service enhancement, visibility, and engagement at the heart of the communities we serve.

“Our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work there, and we have already introduced technology that enables our officers to remain in local areas, reducing the need for them to return to police stations to deal with paperwork.

Five Aberdeen police stations set for closure

“We are determined to continue to improve our visibility and accessibility, as well as to bring partners together to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way.”

The service has published details of 29 police stations and other buildings which are now surplus, with officers and staff being moved to other locations.

Three are already vacant and 14 others have no public access.

In addition, police will consult on a further 16 properties, which are either vacant or empty.

Plans to close a further 14 properties will be brought forward at a later date.