+++ Single forces for Scotland's police and fire services are expected to begin operating on 1 April next year. +++ +++ The new interim police HQ will at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan in Fife and the unitary fire HQ will be at Perth Community Fire Station. +++ +++ Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said communities would remain at the heart of the services. +++ +++ MSPs are currently looking at draft legislation and hearing evidence from president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), Chief Constable Kevin Smith, as well as the Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland and the Scottish Police Services Authority. +++ +++ The Scottish Government's Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill will establish single forces for both the police and fire services. +++ +++ There are currently eight police forces - Central Scotland Police, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Fife Constabulary, Grampian Police, Lothian and Borders Police, Northern Constabulary, Strathclyde Police and Tayside Police. +++ +++ Mr Smith said a lot needed to be done in the next year to "make the change necessary to have the new structure in place". +++ He added: "Reform will not stop on the first day of the new organisation and the service will continue to take shape over the next five years to ensure it's fit for purpose and makes the savings which are required in a challenging financial landscape. +++ "All of this work is taking place at the same time as we continue to deliver high levels of performance. We cannot, and will not, take our eye off the ball in delivering business as usual. +++ +++ "Our people are what make the police service tick. As we go through reform, leadership across the service will be important to make sure the Police Service of Scotland is delivered and that visible and responsive policing to communities continues at a high level." +++ +++ Mr Smith said that using Tulliallan as an interim police command base would offer a "practical and pragmatic" solution. +++ +++ The Chief Fire Officers Association welcomed the announcement that Perth Community Fire Station would be the interim HQ for the single fire service. +++ +++ Its chairman, Alex Clark, said: "On behalf of all Scottish Fire and Rescue personnel, I'd like to reassure the public that wherever we are based, our communities can continue to expect the same high quality service." +++ +++ The union Unison said a number of "major issues" continued to concern its members about the police reforms, but it was happy to continue a dialogue to resolve those issues. +++ +++ Unison's Dave Watson said: "We believe that a balanced workforce is needed to provide the best service for communities throughout the country with highly-skilled police staff in a wide range of specialist roles playing a full part in the future of policing." +++ There are currently eight police forces - Central Scotland Police, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Fife Constabulary, Grampian Police, Lothian and Borders Police, Northern Constabulary, Strathclyde Police and Tayside Police.