This year Police Scotland will, for the first time, use a Polaris Ranger ATV to patrol the shores of South Ayrshire.

The vehicle, which has been supplied by ATV Services Scotland, Hollybush Ayr, has been marked up in Police Scotland livery.


John Yuille of ATV Services Scotland with Inspector Alister Kelly

The vehicle will be used in the Safe Shores campaign which covers the areas of Scotland's South Ayrshire shoreline at Troon, Prestwick and Ayr beaches.

Its purpose is to safeguard members of the public and families and others that visit the area during the spring and summer months but particularly June-August and to ensure that these groups of people are safe from crime, disorder and road safety issues and that they have a pleasant experience.

To provide public reassurance and Keep People Safe, Police Scotland carry out high visibility foot and cycle patrols in and around these areas. The Coastguard, Life boat and local authority all carry out additional patrols providing information and assistance to the shore users.

A spokesperson for Polaris said, "We are seeing increasing numbers of Polaris Rangers and Sportsman ATVs in use with the emergency services, from mountain rescue to coastal work such as this, and we thank Police Scotland for choosing Polaris."

Inspector Alister Kelly, who is pictured receiving the vehicle from John Yuille (ATV Services) said, "I am sure that the use of this vehicle will not only provide a faster response to incidents on the shores of South Ayrshire but will provide a focus for members of the public to speak with Police officers, reducing the fear of crime while keeping people safe."