Concerns over armed policing will be aired in Inverness today as part of a special inquiry into the issue.
The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) will hear evidence from members of the public and Highland Council on the issue, which has sparked controversy throughout the north.
Representatives of the Scottish Police Federation will also appear.
It emerged earlier this year that a team of 16 officers in the north have been carrying pistols at their side for more than a year.
Last month Chief Constable Sir Stephen House announced a change to the controversial policy, announcing that police will no longer carry holstered pistols on routine patrols in the Highlands.
He had been under pressure from a number of north politicians and residents who were concerned about seeing armed officers patrolling the streets.
Despite the change in policy, the SPA have pressed ahead with their scrutiny inquiry.
It emerged that the civillian body had not been consulted by Police Scotland when they rolled out the policy nationwide.
The inquiry has been chaired by Iain Whyte, an SPA board member, who said only the independence referendum had provoked a bigger reaction from the public in Scotland this year.
The inquiry will be convened at Merkinch Community Centre between 11am and 5pm today.
Sessions have already been held in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the past few weeks.
A spokeswoman for the SPA said: “At these sessions the SPA will hear from members of the public and those bodies who have expressed views on the community impact of the standing firearms authority, especially those representing communities or key communities of interest.
“This will include staff associations, local authorities and equality groups.”
She added: “Almost 200 responses were received from individuals and groups wishing to express their view.”
A second inquiry set up by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) is also scrutinising the use of firearms officers.