Free metal detectors for Scots Best Bar None recipients

First-time recipients of Best Bar None Awards in Scotland will get free hand-held metal detectors.

The news, which was met with a cautious welcome from the national Best Bar None group, follows the awarding of a £30,000 grant from the Scottish Government.

Best Bar None, which sees pubs and clubs accredited on steps taken to operate responsibly, currently runs in 10 locations in Scotland. It's also being rolled out in Clackmannanshire, Midlothian, East Kilbride, Miln-gavie and Lerwick after the Scottish Government provided £50,000 extra funding last April.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said: "As part of our commitment to tackle knife crime, I am delighted to announce an extra £30,000 funding for metal detectors to support the work of the Best Bar None award winners."

A BII spokesperson said: "One of the benefits of Best Bar None is increased public confidence in venues that take part and further initiatives such as this will add to that. However, BII Scotland cautions that staff using detectors will need to be SIA licensed, and trained in how to handle weapons found."