Mull volunteer policeman really is ‘special’ constable
A VOLUNTEER policeman from Mull has been named Special Constable of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Policing Excellence Awards.
Neil Morrison, 49, lives in Tobermory and has served the community for 16 years, turning out for the force on more than 40 occasions during 2015 alone.
Due to the remote location of his beat, he has taken charge of a broad range of incidents, including fatal road and marine accidents, mountain rescue situations, when no other policing resources were available, as well as working to address anti-social behaviour concerns, drink driving and poaching.
Mr Morrison was recognised at the awards held on January 22 at the Police Scotland College at Tulliallan. The awards have been designed in partnership with the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to recognise and reward excellence and innovation in policing.
Inspector Mark Stephen, who is based at Oban Police Station, paid tribute to Mr Morrison: ‘It’s excellent that Neil is getting the recognition he deserves. He has worked tirelessly over the years on Mull, and in Oban and the surrounding area. It’s also good as the award gives some recognition to the other specials and the work they do. They really do provide us with first- class support.’
Chief constable Phil Gormley, justice secretary Michael Mathe- son MSP, Andrew Flanagan, who is chairman of the SPA and Ian Cordwell, Police Mutual’s finance director, presented the winners with their awards.
Mr Matheson said at the event: ‘Today’s ceremony highlights the hugely important impact Police Scotland staff have on not only protecting Scotland’s communities, but making them better places to live. Their ef- forts in going above and beyond the call of duty are not always publicised, but they are always appreciated, and I commend all of the nominees and recipients involved in today’s ceremony.’
The awards were sponsored by Police Mutual, which offers financial products and well-being services exclusively for serving or retired police officers and staff, specials and their families.