Custody suite closure sparks policing concerns

Police Scotland has confirmed that the custody suite at Kilmarnock police office has been temporarily closed since October last year.

The closure leaves Saltcoats as the only operational custody centre currently available within Ayrshire.

Councillor James Adams, who represents Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse, said officers have reportedly had to travel as far as Dundee, Greenock and Glasgow to process arrests when local facilities are unavailable.

Police Scotland said the closure is being “regularly reviewed” and stressed that maintaining safe and secure custody provision remains its priority.