Public access to some police station counters will be restricted at the start of next month.

Police Scotland confirmed it is bringing in changes on March 3 across the country's 214 stations, following a controversial consultation.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House originally considered closing public access at 65 stations but the number has reduced to 61.

Some communities will have longer opening times.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said local policing "remains the bedrock" of the new national service.

"These changes allow us to ensure more of the right people with the right skills are available at the right time and in the right places to serve communities in a manner that reflects the way people now live their lives.," he said.

Local policing has been enhanced and a new 101 non-emergency number is in place, he said. The Scottish Government was criticised by opposition politicians for the overhaul.

Scottish Labour MSP Graeme Pearson said: "This announcement will be a bitter blow for the 61 communities that will now no longer have easy, face-to-face contact with their local police officers.

"I'm pleased that through our campaigning and the campaigning of many others, we've managed to save at least some from total closure.

"The single police force was meant to boost support. Instead, under the SNP, the concept of local policing is fading."