Those asking must listen to the answers

Over the last 10 years few manifesto pledges have generated more column inches than the SNP promise to recruit 1,000 extra police officers. Indeed, the issue has rarely been out of the news since 2007.

Derided by opposition parties, the SNP had doggedly stuck to their guns in what sometimes appeared to be a desperate battle to deliver the promise – and thereby save face.

However, it seems the final nail has at last been hammered into the coffin of the flagship policy.

Far from rising any further, the number of officers north of the border is now to be cut by 400. It is due, apparently, to the “way the world is changing”. The police force has not had its troubles to seek in recent years, particularly since the introduction of the single force.

Not surprisingly opposition leaders leapt on yesterday’s revelations as signs of yet more trouble ahead.

Labour spoke of “a growing black hole” at the heart of Police Scotland.

Perhaps in a bid to head controversy off at the pass, a public consultation on the future of the service has been announced. In itself that is a positive move, though some may query the suggestion that it stems from “a position of strength”.

What is vital, however, is not that questions are asked – rather that the answers are listened to and acted upon.