The new Scottish chairman of Crimestoppers has said the charity is playing an increasing role in combating terrorism, especially in the Highlands.
Inverness businessman Jim Ferguson was recently appointed to the senior role, having served as regional chairman for the north of Scotland for the past nine years.
The managing director of security firm The Castle Group said he was “honoured” to have taken on the job.
And while he said Scotland and the north in particular are safe places to live and work, he added that residents need to be on their guard against organised crime and terrorism.
Mr Ferguson said: “Inverness and the Highlands and indeed Scotland is a relatively safe place to live and work but we have to work even harder to keep it that way.
“There is evidence that serious and organised crime want to set up and we’ve had some big drugs busts and what we want to do is educate people to watch out for these kind of things.
“Terrorism is a major problem. We can hardly switch on a radio or a television and not see some atrocity being committed.
“Crimestoppers are playing an increasing and very active role in working with the intelligence services and counter terrorism police.
“That is definitely UK wide, there is no area in the UK that is not at risk unfortunately.”
He said there was evidence from recent events in Germany and France that smaller towns are becoming more of a target rather than larger cities.
In his role as regional chairman Mr Ferguson has headed a committee of twelve volunteers made up from senior figures from across the north.
He has been heavily involved in several high-profile Crimestoppers campaigns, including the unsolved 2004 murder of of Alistair Wilson in Nairn, for which the charity have offered a reward of £5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
He said he wants to “strengthen (Crimestoppers) presence” across Scotland by recruiting new volunteers
Mr Ferguson also paid tribute to “the unswerving loyalty” of his board in the Highlands and islands for their support in his time as regional chairman.
Mr Ferguson has already met with Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley, who said “I’m delighted Jim Ferguson has been appointed as the new Volunteer Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland.
“Jim’s knowledge and experience with the charity for the last nine years will help continue the success Crimestoppers has had and sustain the benefits to communities across Scotland.”
