BY Ian Dunn | March 3 | 
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Police Papal visit costs a state matter, says Church
Shortfall as Scottish Government pays a smaller than expected share of the costs.
Scotland’s two largest police forces say they face a funding shortage after the Papal visit with the Scottish Government paying a smaller than expected share of the costs.
A church spokesman said the issue was a government matter.
Strathclyde Police received £150,000 of the £650,000 it requested from the Scottish Government for its role in the event, while Lothian and Borders asked for £550,000 but received £100,000.
Both forces report that they struggling to find the extra funds during a time of severe government cutbacks.
A Scottish Government spokesman said the settlement with the police was fair.
“The settlement agreed is an important contribution towards forces’ additional costs to reflect the efforts that went towards a successful visit,” the said.
Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said the Church had been delighted with the police’s performance during the visit.
“This is a matter for the state but as the Church is concerned the authorities carried out their duties to the highest of standards,” he said.
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