RANK-and-file officers in northern Scotland have cautioned against a "one-size fits all" approach to policing under the new single force.

The branch of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) representing Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and Islands believes new national units have resulted in a "much diminished frontline".

And the group has put a motion to the SPF national conference - to take place next week - calling for a "bottom-up" review of how resources as distributed nationwide.

The northern area committee's motion is just one of several to be debated as the rank-and-file meet in Turnberry, Ayrshire, to take stock of Police Scotland's second year.

It states: "This Area Committee asks Central Conference to note the increase in departments; specialist teams and units in Police Scotland have resulted in a much diminished frontline.

"To recognise the diverse range of communities, geography and local expectations in our country mean there cannot be a 'one size fits all' approach to Policing in Scotland.

"To seek a "bottom-up" review of resource allocation that puts properly resourced community and response policing back at the heart of our service."

Police Scotland had set up several national services, including a murder squad and a team that reviews investigations in to serious sexual assaults.

The force - and many observers - believes this has helped to end a postcode lottery in the quality of service provided by the police.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, however, has come under fire from politicians in the north who believe he has eroded local policing traditions.

The SPF will also hear motions calling for better working with other agencies to stop officers wasting their time waiting for court appearances. Another motion calls for all powers over negotiations on police pay and conditions to be devolved.

SPF members will also get a chance to quiz party leaders - including those heavily critical of police in recent years - at their conference, which begins on March 31.