The pay deal for 2023/24 means there has been a cumulative 12.35 per cent increase in police officer pay since 1 April 2022, which mirrors wage growth for the fire service and teachers.

The agreement also includes a commitment to commission an independent review to look at police officer pay and benefits.

The deal was struck following extensive dialogue and negotiation through the Police Negotiating Board (PNB), made up of representatives from the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland, the Scottish government, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association (SCPOSA).

Martyn Evans, chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “This is a challenging financial climate for policing and difficult choices are being taken to ensure we stay within the budget.

“Despite this, I am pleased we have now reached an agreement which recognises the valuable contribution of our police officers and the unique set of duties and requirements placed upon them. I am grateful to the Staff Side for their constructive dialogue.”

Police Scotland deputy chief constable designate Fiona Taylor said: “I am extremely grateful to our officers for their professionalism, commitment to keeping people safe and the goodwill they demonstrate every day.

“Recognising and rewarding the hard work of officers is vital and I thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this agreement.”

Angela Constance, the cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs, said: “I want to thank all those involved for working in good faith to achieve this agreement.

“Our police officers perform an essential role keeping Scotland’s communities safe and this fair pay deal recognises the hard work and valuable contribution they make daily as well as this government’s commitment to investing in policing.

“Police Scotland is a vital service, which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, we have increased police funding year-on-year since 2016-17, investing more than £11.6 billion since the creation of Police Scotland in 2013.”