Largs Police have been preparing for this weekend's clash between Celtic and Rangers.

Sgt. Les Stewart told Largs Community Council that officers had been visiting local pubs and groups to ascertain where the first Old Firm game in almost three years would be shown and where buses taking fans to Hampden would depart from and return to.

He said that this type of intellegence work was not confined to the Glasgow derby and similar action had been taken ahead of the Scotland v England game last year.

Police Scotland had raised its concerns about the potential increase in trouble soon after the game was drawn back in November.

They even called for the match to be scheduled as an early weekday fixture to reduce the risk of alcohol-fuelled violence. The game was eventually set for Sunday 1 February at 1.30pm.

The usual tightening of security has been made more pertinent by fans who have had to wait three years to face their old rivals.