POLICE Scotland has scrapped plans which would have seen many frontline officers and staff having to shave their facial hair.
The clean-shaven policy was due to be introduced in May last year although was met with criticism, leading to a delay on the policy for 12 months.
Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the force said there are “no plans” to introduce the changes.
Police Scotland paid out £60,000 in total to four officers who took legal action after they were told to shave.
The Scottish Police Federation – which represents rank and file officers – said the policy had “no thought, no regard to equality and a draconian approach to common sense”.
The federation said it was inundated with complaints and Police Scotland postponed its implementation as a result.
General secretary David Kennedy said: “The beard policy was a policy with no thought, no regard to equality and a draconian approach to common sense and proportionality in policing.
“Let’s hope that as the police service evolves so do modern attitudes to people and family-friendly policies.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland meanwhile said: “We postponed implementation of the policy in July 2023 after listening to our people and reviewing health and safety evidence.
“There are no plans to introduce these changes.”
