Chief Constable stays in hot seat for another year

Mr Strang has been in charge of the force since 2007 and his contract was due to expire on March 31.

But with a single police force expected to be established in 2013, Lothian and Borders Police Board asked the Scottish Government for his contract to be extended for another year.

The move was approved last week and a report outlining the details will be discussed at a meeting of the police board next week.

During Mr Strang’s five years in charge recorded crime has fallen from 78,000 to 60,000 while detection rates have also increased.

Councillor Iain Whyte, police board convenor, said: “The board is delighted that David Strang has decided to continue to lead Lothian and Borders Police through to the creation of a single force in Scotland. He has shown a particular commitment to community policing.”