Oban police station has been threatened with closure – triggering an angry response from shocked residents.
The Argyll station is one of 58 throughout the country potentially under threat.
Police Scotland is considering the future of the stations as part of a review of its estate.
Some of the other buildings under threat in Argyll include Carradale, Lochgilphead, Taynuilt, Campbeltown and Inveraray.
Stations at Carnoustie, Broughty Ferry, Leith, Hawick, Port Glasgow, Ayr, Hamilton and Larkhall are also on the list.
Oban Community Council has stated it will oppose any proposal to close the local station. Chairwoman Marri Malloy said: “We are against it most definitely. It think it is dreadful. It is very important to have a police station in Oban.
“It is not just a big town, it has got outlying areas. It covers quite a big area. I don’t think it is a good idea that Oban does without a police station.
“We will definitely take this up as one of our causes.”
Roddy McCuish, Lead Councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles, said: “At a time when the population of Oban is growing and we are building new houses, this is not a good idea at all.”
Details of the plans emerged through a freedom of information request following revelations last month that a question mark hung over eight stations in Dumfries and Galloway.
The force said some of the existing estate no longer fits the demands of policing in 2016.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Cowie said: “The existing estate has evolved over the course of the last 100 years and in some cases it no longer fits the demands of 2016, or the needs of communities. It makes little sense to maintain old and expensive buildings when smaller, more collaborative options may be available.”
He stressed that any future decisions will follow local consultation with communities.
“This is about enhancing the service we deliver – not doing less,” he added.
“Having buildings across Scotland from which we can operate more effectively will ensure police officers are available in the right time and the right place whilst continuing to deliver a quality service to local communities.”
John Finnie, a Highland MSP and justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said: “Of course all organisations should review processes and I don’t doubt some of these buildings will be less than ideal for modern needs but some of the locations on the list are very worrying.”
