Security has been stepped up at locations in Scotland following the London terror attack.

Armed patrols have been increased around key sites in the Scottish capital, while police patrols have also been upped elsewhere across the country.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley, who confirmed the moves, described them as "reassurance measures".

Officers are also continuing to "dynamically review" safety and security plans and operations in the wake of the incident at Westminster, and they have urged members of the public to stay alert.

Mr Gormley briefed colleagues during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board earlier on Wednesday.

He told the meeting: "This afternoon there has been an attack on Westminster Parliament. It's been confirmed it's being treated by the Metropolitan Police as a terrorist incident.

"The Scottish Parliament has suspended its deliberations for the day.

"We're putting in place some reassurance measures as we sit here. We have increased armed patrols around key sites in Edinburgh and there will be higher-profile patrols across key locations in Scotland."

The Chief Constable went on: "We've put in place what you would expect in terms of contingencies and reassurance patrols.

"We've uplifted and deployed a number of armed officers into key places so they are able to respond if the need suggests and we're working very closely with colleagues in London to understand what exactly has happened and what we need to do to support them and to keep Scotland safe.

"Our thoughts, good wishes and concerns are with colleagues and members of the public who appear to have been injured and lost their lives in Westminster."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said the force is monitoring the situation in England closely.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he said: "Following the incident in London today, Police Scotland continues to dynamically review all safety and security plans and operations.

"An element of this includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed. We are monitoring the situation closely.

"I would urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police.

"We continue to liaise with the UK authorities in response to this incident and our thoughts are with those affected by the events in London."

Security at the Scottish Parliament has been heightened as a precaution, with officials stressing there is no specific threat to Holyrood or Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government has been liaising with Police Scotland, while Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has been briefed by the Chief Constable.

Officials have held a Scottish Government resilience (SGoRR) meeting with the force "to ensure that any potential implications for Scotland are considered," she said.