Police Scotland confirm the disposal of Dalmally police station

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

Dalmally police station has been formally declared as 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, with consultations on individual properties taking place at different times.

The consultation on Dalmally started on 17 January 2024 and closed on 14 February 2024. In total there were 12 respondents.

Comments received from the public on the proposed disposal of Dalmally demonstrated the perception that Dalmally police station has not been in use for some time but if it was open then it would be a key site for accessing rural areas and it would be beneficial to the area.

Dalmally has not been used operationally as a station since 2022, although the house was used for officer housing until August 2023. Response officers are stationed in Oban police station.

There are also officers based in Crianlarich in the east. These officers have continued to serve the local community with no reported issues. 

Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Gary l’Anson said: “Dalmally has not been used as an operational police station since 2022 and has continued to incur running costs and ongoing repairs and maintenance.

“I realise that for many people the presence of a police building brings reassurance and confidence to their local area. However, our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work in the area.

“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 Argyll area 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.

“Officers have successfully been stationed in Oban since 2022 with no detriment to the service provided to the Argyll area. Local communities will continue to receive the same high level of service from our officers.

"I would like to assure local residents that our officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible.”

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