Lothian and Borders police are to receive an additional £217,000 every year from next year in recognition of the demands of policing Edinburgh as Scotland's capital city.

The force already receive £600,000 a year in capital city funding. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today announced the decision to increase the funding following a request from the Chief Constable of the Lothian and Borders force.

The additional funding is to cover increasing demands on the force including policing the Scottish Parliament and ceremonial, diplomatic, VIP or Royal protection duties.

Kenny MacAskill said:
"As the vibrant, bustling capital city of a modern country and the location for Scotland's Parliament, Edinburgh is attracting more and more visitors, including an increasing number of VIPs

"As a result of this, Lothian and Borders police are facing increasing policing demands due to visits by members of the Royal family, other VIPs, major events and the need to police the Parliament.

"The force already receives additional funding as recognition of these requirements. However, in view of the continuing increase in visits to the capital by the Royal family and other VIPs since 2004, I have agreed to provide a further £217,000 a year from next year, an increase of 36% on what the force currently receives.

"Policing our capital city brings particular demands on the Lothian and Borders force. This Government recognises this and has acted positively to ensure that the force has the funding in place to meet these demands."

In 2004 it was agreed that Lothian & Borders Police should receive additional funding to reflect the increased demands of policing Edinburgh due to it being the capital city. This reflected the presence of the Scottish Parliament and the increasing numbers of events with ceremonial, diplomatic and VIP protection elements. £600,000 per annum was provided for this purpose and this amount has not been increased since 2004.

Lothian & Borders Police requested an increase in the amount provided both to reflect inflation since 2004 and the increased levels of activity associated with policing the capital. There has been a continuing increase in the numbers of Royal and VIP visits and venues since 2002-03.

The Police Grant Aided Expenditure figure for Scotland is £1.1 billion and of that Lothian & Borders Police receive £191 million. Funding for future years for local government, including police, was announced on December 13th.