The new chief constable appointed to take charge of Scotland's largest police forces has vowed to target "badly-run" pubs which serve people who are already drunk in a bid to curb drink-fuelled violence in the city centre.
David Strang (48) was formerly chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway but is now leading Lothian and Borders forces, where he was assistant chief constable for three years.
The Edinburgh Evening News reported last week that officers are currently dealing with more than 100 fights every month in the streets outside the capital's busiest nightspots.
Mr Strang has expressed his view that the capital's policing has "specific demands" which are very different from those of rural provinces, and he is determined to tackle them.
He said: "Whatever the area, I am strongly committed to community policing as a way to solve local problems such as drugs, misuse of alcohol, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
"We need to invest in preventative initiatives, education and alternative activities for young people."
