Sophie goes from writing

Auniversity graduate is going from writing about crime to fighting it. Sophie Carney, 25, has spent the last two years writing crime fiction as part of her course at Dundee University.

She came up with perfect crime mysteries and protagonists who solve them during her time on the crime writing and forensic investigation course, and is now preparing to become a police detective herself.

Ms Carney said she first became aware of the National Detective Programme, a fast-track route to becoming a detective, during a masterclass talk.

She said: “I never knew that was an option. The traditional route of becoming a detective is starting off as a police constable and working your way up. That never would have suited me. I am more interested in the process of solving a crime and behind-the-scenes work to put together the puzzle.

“True crime and the theories and methods that go into solving a case has always been an interest of mine. I would never have heard about this opportunity if it wasn’t for doing this course and interacting with people who have similar interests.

“I was able to talk to a lot of people in different specialties and I had to do a lot of research to make sure everything was forensically accurate, and that’s going to be very useful as I go down this new route.”

Ms Carney, from Sussex, is one of around 2,500 students graduating from the university this week. She is still undergoing final tests for the programme.

HONOUR: Eilish Mccolgan with dad Peter. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree at the Caird Hall ceremony yesterday. Pictures by Steve Macdougall.

Sophie Carney will go on to fight crime.