Police Scotland has added to the ranks with 31 sergeant promotions and nearly 300 new recruits.

Formal ceremonies have confirmed 31 new sergeants for the Greater Glasgow division and 292 probationary constables will be signing on for duty.

Joining the sergeants on the frontline are some of the force’s newest recruits.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor congratulated 292 probationary constables during a passing out parade at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, just over a week ago.

The newly qualified cohort is comprised of 161 male officers (55 per cent) and 131 female (45 per cent). The youngest member of the course is 19, while the oldest is 51.

Currently the force has 16,805 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers working across 13 divisions.

But more than 1,800 officers have revealed plans to retire with one division projected to lose seven of its 10 inspectors.