Union GMB says this change puts its members under unprecedented pressure and risks the rights of people who have been arrested.

The Legal Aid Board currently runs a 24-hour hotline to offer advice to those who have been taken into custody and source legal representation.

Beyond Breaking Point: Inside The Herald's look at Scotland’s legal aid crisis

Beyond Breaking Point: Scotland's Legal Aid Crisis – find all articles here

Life on the legal aid frontline: Senior lawyers reveal struggles as crisis deepens

It was previously run by two solicitors at a time, responding to calls from officers requesting lawyers for suspects being held at police stations.

They would then contact private law firms or, if one cannot be found, travel to represent the arrestee themselves.

With only one person

See Full Page