FASCINATING FACTS
Tulliallan Castle’s Italian Garden was developed in the 18th century by Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, Countess de Flahault and Baroness Keith and Nairne, in the style of the Palace of Versailles.
During the Second World War, both the Polish President Wladyslaw Raczkiewicz and Prime Minister Wladyslaw Sikorski stayed at Tulliallan Castle in secret.
Although in ruin, the original Tulliallan Castle is one of the best surviving examples of the 13th-century Scottish hall-house.
But now Tulliallan Police Scotland HQ is a rather ceremonial title as operational command is elsewhere, but it’s still where the Chief Constable has his office.
Training beyond that of new recruits is provided with specialist units there, as well as hosting the Strategic Command Course that is the pathway to the highest ranks. Instruction in Road Policing is sited there too as the location offers easy access to the motorway network.
Tulliallan is also where officers past and present gather to learn and reminisce. The Scottish Police Memorial stands in the grounds recording the names of colleagues who died on duty. Every year there’s a formal event to remember them and new recruits play their part along with the justice secretary. Tulliallan Castle truly is the heart and soul of Scottish Policing.
Next month Scottish history expert Kenny Macaskill remembers the Wolf of Badenoch, third son of King Robert II of Scotland, and by all accounts, a tyrant of the North East.