A popular and much-respected Community Beat Officer from Haddington has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament upon his retirement following 21 years of service.
PC Colin Boyd joined Lothian and Borders Police on 9 April 2001 after a successful career in the RAF.
Boyd served the majority of his service in East Lothian after he was transferred to the county in 2007.
His career was marked by South Scotland Conservative MSP Craig Hoy, who visited Haddington Police Station this week to deliver a framed copy of a motion honouring PC Boyd which he lodged in the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting on the motion, Mr Hoy said: “I am delighted to mark Colin’s retirement with this motion to the Scottish Parliament.
“I regularly met in and around Haddington, often as he was doing the rounds on the High Street. He was a popular, effective and highly visible local officer who also worked with our village communities.
"I also worked with Colin on Haddington’s Problem-Solving Partnership. From the outset, I could tell that he was dedicated to the community and had a good knowledge of the local area.
“I know residents, colleagues and local community groups will miss him and I hope as he goes on to a new chapter that he enjoys his retirement and anything which might follow.”
The motion from Mr Hoy to the Scottish Parliament reads: “That the Parliament congratulates Haddington Community Officer, PC Colin Boyd, on his retirement from Police Scotland after 21 years of service; understands that PC Boyd joined Lothian and Borders Police on 9 April 2001, following a successful career in the RAF; further understands that, after completing his initial training at the Scottish Police College, he was posted to D Division, serving at Craigmillar Police Station for several years before moving to the tutor unit at Leith Police Station, where he played a key role in the tutoring and development of probationers; understands that, in 2007, Colin successfully applied for a transfer to East Lothian, where he lives with his partner, and where he has served the majority of his service, as a uniformed response officer, custody officer and, for the last three years, it believes, as a much-respected and popular Community Beat Officer in Haddington; considers that Colin spent his whole service in uniform and public-facing roles, with the aim of keeping people safe; believes that he has a vast wealth of operational and local knowledge, and that he has always shared this with colleagues to ensure the best possible service is provided to the communities of East Lothian; considers that he will be sorely missed by his colleagues, community groups and local residents; thanks Colin for his service in helping to keep the people of East Lothian and Edinburgh safe, and wishes him all the best in his retirement.”
Jocelyn O’Connor, Chief Inspector of Police Scotland in East Lothian, said: "PC Colin Boyd has demonstrated a commitment to public service throughout his career, having worked as a uniformed officer on the front line working shifts for 21 years.
"He has a wealth of local knowledge which has made him a first class community and response officer.
"It is testament to Colin that on his last day at work rather than getting the slippers on he went out with his fellow community officer PC Viv Black carrying out speed checks at local schools, attending emergency incidents and visiting some of the outlying villages. He had to be prised out the door.
"Colin, I in my role as Local Area Commander thank you for the service you have provided to the community and the support and advice you have provided to your police colleagues over the last 21 years.
"We will miss you."
East Lothian Community Sergeant Rhona Meikle said: “I have known Colin for most of his service and have crossed paths with him on many a memorable occasion.
“Being his supervisor has been an absolute pleasure. His drive and determination to represent and serve his community is commendable.
“We will all miss him and wish him well in his next adventure.”
