The threat of a terrorist attack is the main concern for Scots, according to a new survey.
An increase in attacks across Europe in the last 18 months has raised concerns, officers believe.
Police Scotland said it was “understandable” that extremist violence was the most pressing issue among more than 10,000 people surveyed north of the border.
The force recently announced the recruitment of 124 extra armed officers as part of an effort to counter any “emerging threat”.
Last year, ex-St Machar Academy pupil Ruhul Amin was killed by an RAF drone strike in Syria, along with another
British-born jihadi from Cardiff.
Amin had gone to fight for the so-called Islamic State in Syria and featured prominently in a chilling recruitment video for the terrorist group.
Months earlier, it emerged that an unidentified 18-year-old from Inverness had been on the brink of indoctrination by terrorists while studying English in London.
The young Muslim was returned to his family in the Highland capital after the intervention of police and religious leaders.
Assistant Chief Constable Kate Thomson said: “Given recent international events, counter terrorism and national security
understandably came out on top as a national priority.
“We are committed to protecting the communities of Scotland by mitigating this threat. We recently announced an increase
of 124 armed officers, to ensure we have the capacity and capability across Scotland to respond to any emerging threat, and the use of our armed officers will be a critical factor in our response.
“This is complemented by work which aims to identify and prevent those vulnerable to supporting terrorism, from taking this path, ultimately working in partnership to achieve a safer Scotland.”
The Your View Counts survey was compiled between April 7 and June 30 this year, a period that included a series of major terrorist incidents across the globe.
The second highest priority identified in the poll was violent crime, while antisocial behaviour, house breaking and drug dealing also featured prominently.