A new national non-emergency number for the police has been launched.
The 101 number will give the public a new way to contact the police to report a crime that does not need an emergency response, to get advice or to speak to a local police officer.
Non-emergency crimes could include a theft, damage to property, a minor traffic collision and suspected drug dealing among others.
The number is also intended to reduce pressure on the 999 system and make it easier for the public to pass on information.
The new service was launched by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
He said: "When it's not an emergency, 101 is now the main number to call your local police. It is an easy-to-remember way to contact the police anywhere in Scotland, to report a crime, receive advice or speak to a local officer.
"The non-emergency number is one of many benefits of moving to the new single police service by doing things differently and better.
"It has the potential to reduce pressure on the 999 system, allowing the police to prioritise the most urgent calls for help while making sure every person in every community in Scotland has access to a local response and local advice by dialling 101."
Callers will hear a recorded message when they dial 101 announcing that they are being connected to their local police service centre.
The system will determine the caller's location and connect them to a call handler in the service centre for their local area, ensuring staff with local knowledge deal with the enquiry.
