Highland MSPs have welcomed two investigations into the routine arming of police.
Labour’s David Stewart said the issue had become “very contentious”.
“In general, the public are concerned about armed officers attending routine incidents, which was a change in operational policy adhered to by many of the legacy Scottish forces,” he added.
“Good governance dictates that you have to consider all elements of such policy and that means listening to the public and other interested bodies.
“The police must consider all the available evidence and come up with a policy that is fit for purpose.”
Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, described the inquiry and review as “fantastic” news.
He said he accepted the need for a standing firearms authority and was “confident that the matter will be dealt with in a sensitive manner”.
Mr Thompson said people must trust the police and not subject them to “unreasonable political pressure”.
Highland Independent MSP John Finnie, a former policeman, said he was pleased that the review would examine the community impact of the new firearms policy.
“I would argue that the public have made their views clear on this issue – they don’t want armed officers walking about their streets attending to routine police tasks,” he added.
“The big question remains whether the chief constable, who thus far on this and other issues has appears disinterested in public opinion, will recognise he’s a public servant and revert to the policy which previously served the Highlands and islands so well.”
Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the reviews were a welcome response to the “growing public and political pressure”.
“The sight of armed police on our streets while carrying out routine duties has alarmed many Scots and we deserve to know why it happened and why our communities were not consulted,” he added.