Bobbies and birds

“The close link between the Tulliallan Police College and the wading birds, the oystercatchers, interested ornithologists eyeing the Craigie quiz,” writes Fraser Elder.

“Since the former castle became operational as a college in 1954, the seasonal home for the birds who roam the grounds in numbers was celebrated by the creation of an official police crest which depicts two of them facing books of learning along with a Gaelic motto, bi-glic-bi-glic, which is said to represent their cry. In English this is translated as ‘be wise... be circumspect.’

“The castle was built using French prisoners of war in 1820 by Admiral George Elphinstone, Lord Nelson’s senior officer, and, during the Second World War, the Free Polish Army set up their HQ in the building.

“The Home Office acquired the former castle in 1950 to set up the college and, four years later, the first study courses for inspectors and sergeants were introduced.

“In 2013 the college was taken over by the Police Service of Scotland.”