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And here in the north-east, the list includes the former police office in Kemnay.

The sale follows a public consultation on the future of the properties by the Scottish Police Authority.

Across the country 30 buildings have been earmarked for disposal and the first tranche of 21 properties will be marketed by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors on behalf of the SPA.

In Aberdeenshire, the police stations in Cruden Bay and Portsoy are also due to be marketed.

Sandy Rennie, of Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, said: “As part of the commission, Shepherd will review and inspect all the buildings, provide a market assessment, formalise a disposal strategy, provide planning advice, market the properties, negotiate any sale and provide general guidance and advice throughout the entire process.

“We are delighted to have secured this prestigious commission and very much look forward to working alongside the SPA and Police Scotland to help achieve their strategic estate aspirations.

Last September, Police Scotland announced plans for a public consultation on the future of some of its buildings following an estate review. It said then it was considering closing 53 properties across Scotland that were “no longer required”.

Yvonne Johnston, Estates Transformation Lead for Police Scotland, said: “In Shepherd Chartered Surveyors we have selected an experienced strategic partner to work with us in delivering this key strand of our estates strategy. ”

The Times contacted three local councillors for comment, councillors Smith , Leslie and Harper, but at the time of going to press none had responded.

Andrew Bowie, MP said:“I think most people would accept that if a building is lying empty, then it is better to be sold off.

“However, the bigger concern is about the diminishing police presence in our local communities. We have seen unprecedented cuts to the force under this SNP government. Here in the north-east, officer numbers have dipped by the equivalent of 29 posts in the last year. In a rural constituency the size of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, having fewer stations and fewer bobbies on the beat makes protecting the public all the more challenging.”