The SNP had pledged to recruit 1,000 officers

Joe Grant, chief executive of the Scottish Police Federation, said the incoming Nationalist administration had made a "promise" on the issue.

Uncertainty arose when ministers said capacity would be increased by "the equivalent" of 1,000 extra officers.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said an announcement boosting Scotland's policing capacity was imminent.

Mr Grant said the manifesto pledge was for new police and not for retaining or redeploying existing officers.

He said: "We were given an unequivocal assurance, a promise by the incoming government, that there would be 1,000 new police officers in Scotland during their term in government."

This is not simply about numbers on the payroll, it is about ensuring a genuine improvement in how policing is delivered in our communities Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill

Mr MacAskill said the forthcoming annoucement on increasing Scotland's policing capacity "will involve investment for substantial additional recruitment".

However Mr MacAskill added: "This is not simply about numbers on the payroll, it is about ensuring a genuine improvement in how policing is delivered in our communities.

"This will involve recruitment but also increased retention of experienced officers and the redeployment of existing officers."

Earlier, Mr Grant met Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie and her justice spokesman Bill Aitken.

Mr Aitken said there were currently some 16,200 police officers in Scotland and the "bottom line" was when that number would rise to 17,200.

Ms Goldie added: "To make a clear pledge, as the first minister did at the election, and then to retreat on it is frankly an affront to the public and I think a betrayal of our police officers."