More police are to be sent out to patrol Scotland's streets during the coronavirus lockdown, the country's top cop has revealed.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone revealed how his force will assist the Scottish and UK Governments in enforcing the new measures, which came into force on Monday night and are to last for at least three weeks.
His announcement came after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out the terms of the immediate lockdown north and south of the border.
Police Scotland chief Livingstone said: "We are fully behind the new measures announced by the UK and Scottish Governments to increase social distancing, and I urge and expect everyone to comply with them.
"We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving situation, which presents the gravest of threats to the nation.
"In the meantime, Police Scotland has a clear, positive duty to both protect life and improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland, while supporting the government and health agencies in our fight against this pandemic.
"Therefore, until the new legislation is in place, we will be increasing police patrols in key areas across the country to engage with and provide guidance to anyone in contravention of the measures."
