Tayside and Fife stations under threat in nationwide review

Force refuses to confirm closures but says it could make savings of up to £18m

Police stations across Tayside and Fife could be closed after Police Scotland revealed the future of 58 smaller offices is under review.

According to information obtained by the BBC, the local stations that could be impacted include Broughty Ferry, Bridge of Earn, Stanley, Letham, Carnoustie and Anstruther.

Police Scotland said there was “no pre-determined outcome” and some offices listed may remain open after discussions have been completed.

The force estimated it could generate annual revenue savings of between £5 million and £18m, with the potential to raise between £22m and £34m through property sales.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Cowie said changes were devised to improve policing in local areas.

“This is about enhancing the service we deliver – not doing less,” he said.

“Having buildings across Scotland from which we can operate more effectively will ensure police officers are available in the right time and the right place whilst continuing to deliver a quality service to local communities.”

The revelations have mostly been met with opposition from local councillors.

East Neuk and Landward councillor, Donald Macgregor, said of the station in Anstruther: “There are not sufficient policing resources in the area as it is and it would be very much regrettable if it happened.”

Broughty Ferry station has been due to move but Councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “It is extremely worrying. If the move is reneged on and Police Scotland are proposing to pull out of Broughty Ferry, I know there will be sustained resistance to that.”

North East MSP Jenny Marra raised concerns about the omission of Ryehill station in Dundee from the list, saying: “The list of stations released by Police Scotland only includes those currently under consultation ... I believe the force have been at best misleading, and could even be construed as dishonest.”

Not every councillor is against the closure of local offices, with Carnoustie independent councillor Brian Boyd claiming it could actually be a “win, win” situation for the town.

He said: “Every cloud has a silver lining and moving the police to the burgh chambers and turning the police office into council housing to reduce our waiting list would be a win, win situation.”

Arbroath West and Letham councillor Alex King said of Letham station’s possible closure: “The station has been effectively closed for years so the plan will make no difference to the current level of policing in Letham village and the surrounding area.”

People in Stanley suspected their police station could be axed after noting a downturn in visible patrols.

Former community council chairman William Lindsay said last year: “The station has not been properly manned for some time and we have been seeing police in the village less and less.”