Nearly 60 police buildings across Scotland could be at risk of closure in a major review.

Police Scotland has earmarked 58 properties which no longer fit its needs.

They range from Leith police station in Edinburgh and Pollokshaws in Glasgow to more remote offices including Stanley near Perth, Campbeltown in Argyll and Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway.

The west division is likely to be the most heavily affected by the review, with 35 of the buildings falling into that region.

Police Scotland insists the move will "enhance" its services rather than remove a police presence from local communities.

STV News understands Police Scotland is considering various options for the buildings, depending on their suitability.

These include closing them and moving officers into "partner" stations or building new offices to meet modern-day requirements.

Officers and civilian staff are already being consulted, while a public consultation will be launched at a later stage.

The latest review, which started last year, follows the controversial closure of public counters at police stations across the country.

Assistant chief constable Andrew Cowie said: "Police Scotland needs buildings which are modern, flexible and fit for future policing across the wide range of communities we serve.

"The existing estate has evolved over the course of the last 100 years and in some cases it no longer fits the demands of 2016 or the needs of communities.

"It makes little sense to maintain old and expensive buildings when smaller, more collaborative options may be available."

He said the Scottish Police Authority's estate strategy had "local communities at its heart".

Mr Cowie added: "This is about enhancing the service we deliver - not doing less.

"Having buildings across Scotland from which we can operate more effectively will ensure police officers are available in the right time and the right place whilst continuing to deliver a quality service to local communities."

Any changes would have to be approved by the SPA.

Opposition MSPs have voiced concern, with Conservative community safety spokesman Oliver Mundell saying: "When police station front counters were closed a couple of years ago, it was promised that police stations would stay open.

"Police stations are not like bank branches - it's not about how many customers are using them, it's about ensuring a safe and reassuring presence in the community."

Labour justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said: "Under the SNP, Police Scotland faces a £27m revenue budget overspend.

"SNP ministers can no longer bury their head in the sand and claim that this will not have an impact on local policing.

"The overspend is forcing Police Scotland's hand and the potential closure of local stations is just the next step for a force desperately trying to make ends meet.

"We need to have a serious debate about what sort of police force we want in Scotland, yet under the SNP all we are getting is cuts and excuses."

John Finnie, justice spokesman for the Scottish Greens, said: "While many people do use phone and the internet to interact with police, there is still a significant number of people - many elderly and vulnerable - who do not. Accessibility is paramount."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Decisions around operational policing are a matter for Police Scotland working in partnership with individual communities across the country.

"This Government has made clear that we wish to see the community focus of policing further strengthened."