Police officers on the isle of Barra have been honoured for the support they provided to their community when one local teenager was killed and the other seriously injured in the Manchester bombing.
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, died and her friend Laura MacIntyre, 15, was badly hurt in the terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert which killed 22 people on May 22.
It placed Barra at the centre of national and international news.
At the third annual Scottish Policing Excellence Awards yesterday, Team of the Year was awarded to The Barra Community Team for their work in helping support the community following the tragedy.
They were also presented with the Deputy Chief Constable’s Award at the event held at the Scottish Police College.
Officers were assembled from across the Western Isles, supported by the Divisional Flexible Policing Team, and working with partners and the local community, they quickly became “The Barra Community Team”.
There is no guidance on how to police in such circumstances, but their work received high praise from the residents of Barra and elsewhere in the UK.
Policing Partner of the Year went to Highland Third Sector Interface.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick who hosted the awards said: “Today is all about celebrating the tremendous dedication, commitment and professionalism of our officers and staff.
“The tireless efforts of our colleagues and partners – recognised by their peers and managers through their nominations – all contribute to our aim of keeping Scotland’s communities and people safe. The achievements of all those nominated are an inspiration to the whole country.”
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson added: “The individuals and teams within our police service go the extra mile every day and it is their devotion to public service, coupled with a willingness to innovate, that brings true excellence to policing in Scotland.
“I am always inspired by the work of police officers and staff members and I would like to thank all of this year’s winners and nominees for their contribution to our communities.”
