By Steve Bargeton, political editor

FIRST MINISTER Jack McConnell came under renewed attack last night for refusing to give an estimate of the cost of policing the G8 Summit at Gleneagles.

Last week The Courier revealed that the bill for policing and other security costs was being estimated at £100 million.

Mr McConnell claimed that the estimate was not accurate but angered MSPs by repeatedly refusing to disclose the details of estimates received by the Scottish Executive and passed on to the Treasury.

Yesterday Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Brian Monteith wrote to Central Scotland Chief Constable Andrew Cameron asking whether his force would be taking on any additional responsibilities during the summit. He also asked what impact it would have on local policing.

“With the G8 Summit on our doorstep, the eyes of the world will be on our corner of the country,” said Mr Monteith.

“The need for good policing is critical and, as such, I want to know whether Central Scotland Police has been asked to undertake any additional responsibilities, either in its own area or another, or has been asked to provide officers for security at Gleneagles.

“I would also like to know whether Central Scotland Police has put in place, or planned for, any additional cover in Stirling and Clackmannanshire over the period of the Summit.

“While the First Minister might refuse to reveal even an estimated cost of providing additional policing for the summit, it is important that people know what impact the G8 might have on Stirling and Clackmannanshire.”

The Executive has confirmed that councils will not be asked to foot the bill for any security costs but Mr Monteith said he wants confirmation.

“I would be concerned if there is a shortage of police for normal operations or that some costs push up council tax to even more ridiculous levels,” he said.

“We also need to ensure that any local police forces involved in providing additional cover for the G8 Summit are reimbursed for their outlay by either the UK Government or the Scottish Executive.”