Glasgow Airport bosses asked for a police officer to be stationed every 50metres around the site for the duration of COP26.
Officials knocked back the plea because there aren’t enough staff, but have assigned an extra four constables to guard the airport, which will be a main transport hub for the climate summit.
Airport chiefs have drafted in two private security firms to patrol its fences amid fears it could be a target for terrorists and protesters.
It is understood the taxpayer will pick up the bill after the Scottish Government agreed to pay the contractors.
An insider said: “The police took one look at what Glasgow airport were asking and immediately rejected it. All they could spare was an extra four cops on top of what’s already down there. We’ve been told the Scottish Government has agreed to pay the bill.”
Glasgow airport refused to comment.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “We would not comment on specific security arrangements at Glasgow airport or any other COP26 venue.
“However, we have plans in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone attending the conference and the wider public.”
When asked about security at Glasgow airport and who was funding it, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The deployment of policing resources is an operational matter for Police Scotland.”
