Force will carry on with staff

SCOTLAND’S police force “does not rely on one individual” Holyrood’s Justice Secretary declared after it emerged the country’s top officer is on a period of “special leave” while allegations of gross misconduct against him are investigated.

While Police Scotland will suffer a “degree of uncertainty” as a result of the investigations and

Chief Constable Phil Gormley’s absence, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The success of Police Scotland does not rely on one individual, but on a strong and experienced senior leadership team and on the professionalism and dedication of many thousands of police officers and staff at all levels.”