Scottish Liberal Democrats have called on Police Scotland to guarantee that armed officers will not undertake routine patrols in or around polling station on the day of the independence referendum.
In a letter to Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, the party’s justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes warned that the presence of armed officers would threaten to mar the voting process.
Ms McInnes said: “I am seeking a guarantee from the chief constable that armed officers from Scotland’s national police force will not be present in or near polling stations on routine duties on the day of the referendum vote.
“People in communities across Scotland have raised concerns about armed police in places such as nightclubs and supermarkets.
“I would be appalled if they felt it appropriate to conduct a routine patrol near or within a polling station whilst carrying a sidearm in their holster.
“It would be an error of judgment and one the chief constable should proactively seek to prevent.”
