The achievements of a West Dunbartonshire special constable have been recognised today by Police Scotland.

Lee McWhinney was named a joint winner, with Stuart Anderson, of the Special Constable of the Year prize at the Chief Constable's Bravery and Excellence awards.

Special Police Constable (SPC) Anderson became the first special constable to lead a drugs operation in his home area of Fife, while SPC McWhinney gave more than 1,000 hours of voluntary service over 12 months in West Dunbartonshire and has now joined Police Scotland as a probationary officer.

The awards were held virtually on Friday due to the pandemic, with officers and staff and award winners and their families able to view the ceremony remotely from across the country.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone presented 25 awards to 31 police officers and 16 members of the public.

Mr Livingstone said: “The last 12 months have underlined the relentless and challenging nature of policing. 

“Officers and staff are playing a crucial role in supporting the national response to coronavirus. At the same time, they continue to meet the needs of our communities, providing day-to-day policing and responding to a number of demanding and high profile incidents.

“Today is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding policing which occurs all over Scotland, day in, day out, and to commend members of the public for the selfless acts of bravery and courage to help their fellow citizens.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and nominees and thank them for their commitment to public service.

“I’m also grateful to Police Mutual for their continued support of this important event.”