Scotland's chief constable says his force can strengthen its focus on community policing despite criticism over budget cuts.

It came as justice secretary Michael Matheson set out the Scottish Government's new priorities for Police Scotland over the next decade, which also aim to tackle new and developing threats, including cybercrime.

Chief constable Phil Gormley said on Wednesday, following a consultation on strategic priorities for the force, that Scotland needs an increasingly resilient, flexible, responsive and locally-focused police service to help keep communities safe as well as dealing with emerging threats.

He said: "All public services are going to have to make some difficult decisions about how we use resources but what I have seen in the last nine months I've been here is some of the best police officers and staff anywhere in the UK.

"So I'm really optimistic that actually working together with communities, with partners, that we can deliver a really first class service."

Localism, inclusion, prevention, responsiveness, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability are the seven themes that will inform policing priorities in Scotland in the years to come.

Mr Matheson launched the priorities in West Lothian with the chief constable and Scottish Police Authority chairman Andrew Flanagan.

Mr Matheson said: "With recorded crime in Scotland at a 42-year low, I am confident that policing in Scotland is on the right track.

"We have a world-class police system in Scotland, supported by a hugely dedicated and professional workforce who work each and every day to secure the safety and well-being of people and communities across the country.

"I believe that the new strategic police priorities, developed following extensive consultation with people from across Scotland and key partners, will be key to shaping the future of policing in this country and will ensure Police Scotland remain a progressive and forward-looking service."

Mr Flanagan said: "In line with the new strategic police priorities published today, the SPA have initiated work which will deliver a clear long-term vision and strategy for policing now and over the next ten years.

"It will have a strong focus on the quality of service that Scotland needs from its policing, how we develop new capabilities, and deliver improved benefits for our communities.

"Through that we are committed to ensuring that the police have a workforce which has the skills and capability to meet the changing demands they face, within a shared direction and purpose for the single service that unites police professional and citizen alike."

Mr Gormley added: "We welcome the publication of these strategic priorities for policing as we move forward with the transformation of the service in Scotland.

"Policing in Scotland, which is built on a really solid foundation and traditions that are the envy of many, needs to be locally relevant and have the confidence of our communities.

"We also need to ensure that the protection communities require to tackle emerging threats and risks is available where and when required.

"The majority of what officers and staff deal with on a daily basis, around the clock, every day of the year relates to calls for service - people calling us at a time of crisis and need and we need to make sure we respond by having the strategic priorities set out today at the heart of what we do and how we do it."