POLICING the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was "the most complex security operation ever mounted in Scotland", the officer in charge has said.

The bill for security trebled to £90 million in the run up to the Glasgow 2014 Games, with airport-style security checks at venues.

The operation was managed from a 24-hour control centre in Govan with the Ministry of Defence, Crown Office, Government, fire and rescue and ambulance officials providing support.

In total, 17 private security firms were involved in the operation, including G4S, who provided stewarding.

The budget was originally about £30 million but increased in December 2012, with money coming from the Scottish Government and Games contingency fund.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, security director for Glasgow 2014, said: "This was the largest and most complex security operation ever mounted in Scotland. At the same time Police Scotland has continued delivering service in local communities across the country."