Police Scotland confirm closure of Brae police station

Plans to dispose of Brae police station following public consultation have been approved.

Brae police station has been formally declared surplus by Police Scotland and will be marketed for sale.

Police Scotland announced on 14 December, 2023 proposals to close police stations across the country as part of their estate transformation strategy.

Public consultation was launched both at a local level and nationally through an online Engagement Hub. The consultation on the future of Brae was opened on 6 March, 2024 and concluded on 8 April, 2024. In total there were 10 respondents, 50% of whom agreed with the proposal to dispose of the building. 

Shetland’s Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Stuart Clemenson said: “Over the last eight years, local policing officers have predominantly deployed from Lerwick and continued to support and serve the surrounding areas. The last officer based at Brae retired in June 2022. The disposal of Brae would not lead to any change in this operational model.

“The station at Brae is not routinely used but continues to incur daily expenses and ongoing maintenance, which is not a good use of public funds.

“Where our officers are based is where they start their shift. With investment in our fleet and digital device technology, our officers are now fully mobile to be able to police the mainland without the need for a physical base in that location.

"This means they have little need to return to the office, allowing them to be more present and responsive in the communities we serve.

“Although we are disposing of a vacant building we are also investing in others, such as housing for local officers.

“Over the last year we have invested in new housing for local officers on Shetland as well as Orkney, Gairloch, Glencoe and Strontian.

“Officers working in remote and rural locations play an integral part in community life and it is vital we support them to remain or relocate to these areas.

“I would like to reassure the local community of Shetland that officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible.

“Our station in Lerwick will continue to be our main base, along with the officer on Mid Yell. The front counter at Lerwick is open from 8.00am until 6.00pm seven days a week (excluding annual leave/training/absence). Anyone wishing to talk to an officer can visit the station or call 101 (999 in an emergency).”

Copies of the consultation findings have been published on our Engagement Hub: Estate Transformation: Local Area Consultations - Police Scotland - Citizen Space