A MAJOR police office within Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill's constituency faces having its hours cut as part of the national review of station operations.

According to unions representing civilian staff, Portobello Police Office in the east of Edinburgh is one of the stations under the microscope.

Response policing has already moved from Portobello to Craigmillar, and unions warned the overall plan will be "brutal".

It is understood one main plan is to have only one 24-hour station in each policing division, with commanders looking at wholesale closures and dayshift plans.

There is speculation only police stations in Glasgow with custody suites, essentially main divisional offices such as Helen Street in Govan, London Road in the east end, Baird Street in the north and the city centre's Stewart Street, will retain round-the-clock front desk operations.

The details emerged after The Herald revealed offices are facing closure or cuts in opening times as part of a review by the new force.

Stevie Diamond, Unison's west of Scotland convenor for civilian police staff, said: "These reviews will have a devastating effect not only on Unison members who staff police office front counters and manage traffic but also the communities that they serve.

"We were told the merging of the forces would lead to job losses through the elimination of duplication. This is an example of front line services being cut as the force tries to balance the books with an estimated £9 million black hole in this year's finances."

Politicians across the country were sent a letter by Police Scotland advising them it was carrying out the exercise "in light of the challenging budget set".

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House has commissioned a review of the level of public service that occurs at stations "to determine the most efficient opening times and the services provided". The Chief Constable has also commissioned a review of traffic wardens, which is expected to see councils take full control of the service.

The front desks review, being undertaken by Superintendent Craig Naylor, formerly of Lothian and Borders Police, is expected to result in more offices being located within 'hubs' including other public sector bodies.

Sources claim rural areas will also be affected and though stations will still be manned they are unlikely to have front desk operations. Several island police offices, where footfall is already said to be low, will also be affected.

Mr Diamond said: "Indications are that the review is going to be brutal with urban and rural offices hours slashed and the possibility of complete closures.

"Police offices in rural areas are at the heart of their communities and in urban areas are often a safe refuge for the vulnerable."

Brian Docherty, Scottish Police Federation chairman, said it was crucial the force examined every area of their "business". He added: "I hate to describe it as a business but that's how we've got to look at it financially. We've got to be wary of short-term fixes. Post offices, banks and such have been shut in recent years only for them to have to be reopened down the line."

A Scottish Police Authority spokeswoman said: "We expect Police Scotland to consult with local communities, staff and unions so there is a shared understanding of how services are being used.

"This will inform an evidenced proposal to come to the board for consideration."