FRONTLINE police officers in the Wee County are expected to receive personal protective equipment next week.

More than 630 officers across Scotland have already received the kit, which includes FFP3 respirator masks, gloves, boot covers, coveralls and goggles.

The Police Scotland team co-ordinating the coronavirus response has been working around the clock to secure and distribute the appropriate equipment and some officers across operational support units, border policing, custody and some rural areas have already received the gear.

The flexible response unit is likely to be deployed across the country over the weekend in possession of the full kit to support operational officers.

It is anticipated that an extended roll-out of the fitting, training and issuing of the personal protective equipment (PPE) across all local policing divisions, like in Clackmannanshire, will be underway next week.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Our officers are playing a vital role in keeping people safe at this extraordinary time and we want them to have the right protective equipment to enable them to do their jobs with confidence.

“We have had several teams working continuously on procuring and distributing vital supplies to staff and these are being issued across priority areas, with significant orders for more items, including masks, goggles and gloves, scheduled for delivery over the coming days and weeks.

"The procurement of available PPE is a key piece of work being undertaken in challenging circumstances due to exceptional levels of demand and we are streamlining and simplifying the process where possible.

“We are working with the Scottish Government and partners, and at a UK level, to ensure required PPE is delivered as quickly as possible."