Dedicated volunteer proud to receive royal award

A GREENOCK man has told of his pride after he received the British Empire Medal in recognition ition of his services to policing and his voluntary role the Scottish Ambulance Service.

James Bertram, a national health and safety manager for Police Scotland, was presented with the award by Lord-Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, who was joined by Chief Sir Iain Livingstone. James, 54, a former pupil of Greenock Academy, was nominated in the late Queen’s birthday honours list last year.

He told the Telegraph: “It was a tremendous day and a very proud one.

“The Lord-Lieutenant was really nice and made a speech about the safety work we do across Scotland.

“Some of the work we do is quite unique and the Lord Lieutenant said how rare it was to receive a BEM.”

James feels humbled to have been given royal recognition.

He told the Tele: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.

“Not many people have received it in my role. I don’t know of anyone nationally in the UK, it’s quite unique and special.”

James is in charge of a police team covering all aspects of safety, including a 24/7 response at major incidents, and he was involved in the challenges faced by the force during the pandemic.

He also works with the local ambulance service as a first responder on a voluntary basis.

James was joined at the presentation by his wife Liz plus colleagues who were receiving long-service awards. He said: “We have done a lot over the last few years, we have provided staff with new safety footwear and hearing protection and because of the pandemic, respiratory equipment.

“Our officers and staff are very well protected and we have the full support of the Chief Constable.”

Although James is now living in Largs he is very proud of being a Greenockian.

He said: “I have a lot of family in Greenock.

“I’m a Greenock boy at heart and I like to pop into Greenock Police Station whenever I can and I take an interest in policing in Inverclyde.”