Driver who pulled man from river is hailed for bravery

Anorth-east man who entered the water after watching a man fall into the River Don from an Aberdeen bridge has been praised for his selfless bravery.

Allan MacKay was driving across the Persley Bridge in Aberdeen on April 29 last year when he saw a man climb on to the bridge and fall backwards into the water.

He ran from his vehicle and rushed along the embankment to help.

With the water pulling the man downstream, Mr MacKay entered the water on two occasions as he battled to save him before dragging him to safety.

Thanks to his quick actions, the man was taken to hospital where he fully recovered from the ordeal.

Mr MacKay is now one of dozens of individuals and local police officers being recognised at this year’s Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards.

Meanwhile, six officers from across Grampian and the Highlands have been rewarded for their “courageous and decisive actions” during their duties.

Here’s a rundown of all of this year’s local recipients and their stories.

Sergeant John Hampton, PC Oliver Siddall and Special Constable Stephen Booth were called to reports of a vulnerable man self-harming on the edge of a bridge in Keig, near Alford in Aberdeenshire, who then jumped 15ft into the fast-flowing river below.

The trio dived into the water to rescue the man before placing him into the hands of paramedics.

Thanks to their courageous and decisive actions around 10.30pm on July 2, the man survived and received the help he needed.

PC Harry Jackson, a school campus officer at Lochside Academy in Aberdeen, has been named police officer of the year.

He has been recognised for his “outstanding commitment and service” to the force and his ability to form positive relationships with local community members.

Officials described him as a “reliable and dedicated officer”, widely praised and respected by his partners in the Aberdeen community.

A north-east community officer has been named joint winner of the probationary constable of the year award.

PC Laura Brown, of Northfield, in Aberdeen, joined the police in June 2021 and has exceeded the expectations of a probationary officer.

Officials commended her for her motivation, exceptional communication skills and dedicated work and professionalism.

She won the award alongside Constable Christopher Wilton from Edinburgh.

Criminal intelligence analyst Mhairi Matheson has been named police member of staff of the year.

For more than 30 years, she has served the Highlands and islands.

Colleagues regard her as “easily approachable, willing to contribute and committed to her vocation”.

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone said: “These awards illustrate the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by police officers and staff right across Scotland every day.”

COURAGE: Police attended the scene where the man fell from a bridge and was saved by a passing motorist.

Persley Bridge, River Don, where the rescued man fell.