Scotland's police helicopter is playing a major role in targeting the country's gangland violence and helping bring those responsible to justice, the Daily Record can reveal.
New figures show that use of the force chopper has increased by almost 30 percent in the last three years.
The crew flew 793 hours in 2025 compared to 568 the previous year and 537 in 2023.
In the same period the number of 'deployments' that were firearms related rose from 39 to 59.
Call outs to trace 'suspected persons' rose from 52 to 111, while the number of vehicle pursuits rose from 51 to 92.
Since March last year Police Scotland have been involved in a major offensive against organised crime through Operation Portaledge .
It was launched last year following an outbreak of violence in Edinburgh and Glasgow linked to a long running feud between the Glasgow based Lyons and Daniel crime families.
To date more than 60 people have been arrested and a number of people handed lengthy jail terms.
Graeme Pearson, former Director General of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency , was involved in the introduction of the police helicopter more than 35 years ago and welcomes its role in tackling the country's crime gangs.
Mr Pearson added: "If you are looking a pre planned effort for serious and organised crime then the helicopter up in the air can see if property is being dispose or if people are escaping out of a window.
"If folk are hiding guns then the helicopter can see what is going on.
If the High Court needs photographs of a scenes of crime then no one can do it better than a helicopter.
"Over the years there has been increasing....
