A north-east police officer who lost his leg in a horrific crash was honoured for his courage in returning to work this week.
Ewan Simspon was riding his motorbike home from Fraserburgh on October 26 last year following a late shift when he was struck by a car travelling in the opposite direction.
He was flung from his bike and landed in a nearby field.
The driver of the vehicle, who had fallen asleep at the wheel and drifted into the wrong lane, fled the scene without calling for help.
Mr Simpson, a father of two, had to wait for 45 minutes before two passing nurses, Beverley Masson and Angela Morris, stumbled upon the wreckage.
The officer’s injuries were so severe that he had to have his right leg amputated, and underwent bone grafts and surgeries to his right arm.
Fraserburgh man Alan Tait was jailed for seven years for his involvement in the crash which took place this April.
Speaking about the incident, Mr Simpson said he was “just thankful” he was going to live.
He said at first the accident changed his life “completely” and also affected the lives of his partner, Nicola and their children, Lola, six, and Louie, three.
With no intention to leave the force, he returned to work earlier this year after being fitted for a prosthetic limb.
On Thursday, he was put forward for a special recognition at this year’s Scottish Police Federation Police Bravery Awards at Holyrood for his “truly inspirational” recovery.
And although he missed out on the award, which went to two officers who tackled a man brandishing a knife in Edinburgh, Mr Simpson has been hailed by the Federation’s chairman.
Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “PC Simpson has shown incredible personal strength and determination.”
Michael Matheson MSP, who attended the ceremony, added: “These awards allow us all to recognise the bravery of the individual officers and I commend each and every one of them for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect the public.”
Mr Simpson was one of 12 officers honoured at the event.
