Constabulary duty

Lesley Riddoch in her article ‘What is wrong at Police Scotland’ (Scotsman, 7 August) questions poor appointments to the single top job. Ms Riddoch appears ill-informed about the current Chief Constable’s professional background.

Phil Gormley has had a stellar career in all his previous jobs. He had retired from the National Crime Agency, one of the toughest jobs in UK policing but was persuaded to throw his hat into the Scottish ring.

When he came to Scotland he started with great thought and commitment to improve the morale of a very disillusioned police force.

He six weeks ago addressed the Tuesday Club on “The future of Police Scotland” and all those attending were in awe of his vision, commitment and ethos.

His talk made us all feel Police Scotland was in excellent hands.

I have been in regular contact with police officers and all I spoke to, high or low ranking officers, all regard the current chief as an outstanding leader.

What is wrong with Police Scotland is that the Scottish Government has a First Minister who runs for the hills as soon as something vaguely controversial occurs.

She and her weak Cabinet

Secretary for Justice should have stood squarely behind the current Chief Constable, they both utterly failed to do so.

If I was in the CC’S shoes I would not have accepted this shameful stance of the Scottish Government. After all, Phil Gormley could so easily finally retire to his beloved Norfolk where he is feted as the best CC they have had for a very long time.

PETER H J DE VINK Edinburgh Financial & General Holdings Ltd, Huntly Cot, Temple,

Midlothian