AYRSHIRE's top cop is leaving the area after less than a year in his current role.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, Divisional Commander for Ayrshire, will be transferred to the Glasgow Division to head up policing of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) which will take place in the city from November 9-19.

Police confirmed the move today and said that they were consulting with North, South and East Ayrshire Councils as they looked to identify a successor for the top job.

Councillor John Glover, who sits on North Ayrshire Council’s Police and Fire and Rescue Committee, said: “Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, has been promoted to a big job – the organisation of a climate change conference in Glasgow.

“We presented him with a card and a bottle of wine. When I handed the card over I said to him it is a massive job to take over, and I felt he was very well qualified for the position."

He added: “It’s a compliment to North Ayrshire that he has been chosen. He’s done a very good job.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed the move: “Police Scotland can confirm Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves is being transferred to Glasgow Division to work on arranging the policing of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) later this year.

“We are consulting with the three local authorities in Ayrshire Division with a view to identifying a suitable successor.”