Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has warned the Scottish Government that it must not neglect law and order after recorded crime figures went up in Argyll and Bute.

During May crimes in the area rose to 210 compared to 186 in April.

Mr Cameron said: “While law-abiding citizens in Argyll and Bute have been coping with the consequences of  Covid-19, some offenders have evidently taken advantage of lockdown to commit crimes.

“Worryingly, not only has there been a significant increase between April and May, but the comparable figure from last year shows an increase too.

“Local people are concerned that the centralisation of policing under the SNP has had a negative effect on our ability to fight crime.

“It is now up to ministers to ensure that our officers on the front line here in Argyll and Bute have the resources they need to make our communities feel safe.”