AT first glance, the statistic that only 27.2 per cent of police constables who applied for a sergeant position in the latest available figures were women is an arresting number, taking into account they represent 31.1 per cent of the pool.

However, the fact that they are proportionately more likely to pass than their male counterparts restores the equilibrium - 31.1 per cent of successful candidatesare female.

It is disappointing, though, that women are still less likely to apply for promotion than men.

It has to be said that Police Scotland has been making great efforts to boost the number of women in promoted roles, including introducing an admirable mentoring programme.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said shortly after taking up her post at the outset of Police Scotland that she would like to see half of all officers be women. While laudable, that aim will be extremely difficult to achieve. Aside from the continued existence of a macho culture - though that is much diminished - there is still the vexed question of the work-life balance in the higher ranks.

Some of the top jobs in Police Scotland demand a commitment to a working day of up to 18 hours, which women with young families are more likely to see as too high a price to pay.

They should not be condemned for that. Perhaps Police Scotland should look for wider reform of its own processes.