The Scottish justice secretary has been told it is vital that police resources are not drained away from the Western Isles.
Michael Matheson discussed local policing priorities during a meeting yesterday with representatives of Western Isles Council, UHI Stornoway and NHS Western Isles.
It comes as the Scottish Government consults on six new national priorities for policing in Scotland covering the themes of localism, prevention, response, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability.
Fears that the relatively new single Scottish police force could draw away resources from islands areas by focusing more on the central belt, diluting Western Isles policing in the process, were impressed upon him at the meeting.
Afterwards, Angus Campbell, leader of Western Isles Council, said: “From an island perspective the issues are about having the right resources in the islands when we need it and to have the decision making done locally.
Mr Campbell stressed there needs to be recognition that “one size does not always fit all.”
He added: “We should have the freedom within the whole of the public sector to do things in a way which best serves the outcomes for the Western Isles.”
Mr Matheson said: “The message clearly made to me here is the way policing is being delivered on the islands hasn’t changed. Also, when they need national resources, the island police have been able to call that in at particular points.”
He added: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity today to speak to people in the Western Isles about what are their priorities for local policing.
“The Strategic Police Priorities provide clear direction for Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, representing our high level ambition for what we want our police service to be.
“I am confident we are on the right track.”