Police dog handler given long service award

A SPECIAL constable based at Lerwick Police Station has received a long service award.

Ewan Anderson joined the force ten years ago and for the past decade he has worked as a drugs dog handler.

He also volunteers with the local charity Dogs Against Drugs, which has a unique partnership with Police Scotland and has provided two dog handlers for a number of years.

Councillor Alastair Cooper, who chairs the Shetland community safety resilience board, presented Anderson his well-deserved medal this week as he prepared to move on to the fire service.

Shetland area commander chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “I cannot speak highly enough of both SPC Anderson and his colleague, SPC Michael Coutts, who have dedicated so much of their lives to helping keep Shetland communities safe.

“Their dual roles means they can carry out their duties alongside regular police officers, detecting and deterring illegal drugs from entering and being used on the island, and ultimately helping to reduce and tackle crime.

“It is often said that Shetland is a safer place to live thanks to both special constables and their trusted dogs, and I could not agree more. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate SPC Anderson on his service to date.”