Police Scotland have performed a U-turn on their controversial policy of having armed officers respond to routine incidents amid mounting criticism from both the public and politicians.
Officers armed with guns will now respond to incidents only where there is suspected to be another firearm involved or a direct threat to someone's life, ending the practice of having armed police turn up at more routine matters.
However, the standing authority for a small percentage of officers to carry a sidearm will remain in place, meaning that there will remain a contingent of armed police on duty at most times.
Police Scotland's policy on the deployment of permanently armed officers was thrust under the spotlight earlier this year when independent MSP and former police officer John Finnie became aware that some policemen and women were carrying weapons in side holsters, rather than in locked boxes in their vans.
The policy was introduced in the Northern Constabulary area weeks before the national Police Scotland force came into being, leading to armed units being used to respond to more regular matters such as street disturbances, increasing their visibility.
But it has now been decreed that officers carrying guns will remain in the background and only be called on when a situation requiring their presence arises.
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: "Protecting the public and ensuring that all communities have the same access to specialist policing support, no matter where or when it is needed, is at the heart of this decision.
"We have balanced our overriding duty to keep people safe with consideration of the views expressed about the perception of armed officers supporting local policing activities.
"The Chief Constable recognised the concerns expressed about the deployment of armed officers. As an organisation we acknowledge the local feeling from politicians and some members of the public, as evidenced by the feedback from some local authorities."
He added: "The decision to continue with a small number of armed officers dedicated to specialist firearms duties is entirely proportionate and necessary and ensures we discharge out duty to keep people safe."
The decision to reverse the policy was taken after Police Scotland's Armed Police Monitoring Group met on September 16 and reviewed intelligence, including evidence on legally held firearms in Scotland, classified information on serious organised crime groups, and the number of firearms deployments by officers between April and August.
The decision to allow armed officers to respond to non-firearm incidents led to mounting concern that Scotland's tradition of policing by consent was being eroded after it emerged that it had been taken without the consultation of either the Scottish Police Authority, or MSPs at Holyrood.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen House did discuss the matter with Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill in advance but SPA chairman Vic Emery was not briefed by either individual.
Police Scotland's firearms policy is currently being investigated at the Force's own request by the civilian SPA and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland who are expected to report back by the end of the year.
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