The hijab has become an optional part of the Police Scotland uniform as the force works to encourage Muslim women to join the service.

Previously, officers could wear the religious headscarf with approval but it is now formally part of the force uniform.

Police Scotland said it is working to make the force "representative of the communities we serve."

The formal announcement was welcomed by the Scottish Police Muslim Association (SPMA), an organisation set up in 2010 to build closer ties with Muslim communities.