Various scenarios are planned

The Scottish Police Information and Co-ordination Centre (S-PICC) is planning responses to a variety of scenarios.

Described as the "nerve centre" for the Scottish police service, it is staffed by a team of specialist officers from forces across Scotland

Andrew Cameron, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said: "Whilst at the present time the threat level across the United Kingdom is high, there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat against any UK target."

The centre was set up three weeks ago with the purpose of liaising with other police forces in the UK, government departments and local authorities, emergency planners, military and other emergency services.

'Vulnerable groups'

The First Minister, Jack McConnell, and his deputy, Jim Wallace, were briefed on Wednesday morning on the details of the arrangements put in place by the police service.

Mr Cameron, chief constable of Central Scotland Police, said police had been working closely with minority and vulnerable groups.

"We have assured them and their leaders that the safety of their communities is, and will continue to be, a priority," he added.

This is the third time the S-PICC has been set up.

It has been used during the fire service dispute and was activated during the fuel protests in 2000 and following 11 September 2001.