Tributes paid to former police inspector and honorary sheriff Arnold Duncan
TRIBUTES have been paid to Arnold Duncan MBE, who passed away recently at the age of 80.
He was a former police inspector and honorary sheriff who was recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list back in 2016.
Duncan was also a former chairman of the Scalloway Community Council.
Scalloway councillor Davie Sandison extended his sympathies to Duncan’s surviving family.
Sandison also revealed Duncan received an MBE after he nominated him for honours, something which he believes the former policeman did not know.
He said he had nominated Duncan after “many years of working together on Scalloway Community Council”.
“We collaborated on many local issues, including forming an interim group to get a new body of trustees to take over running Scalloway Public Hall after its previous governance came to an end,” Sandison said.
“Arnold was someone with a great attention to detail – everything he involved himself in was well researched and his advice was always welcomed.
“When Arnold finished his time as chair of SCC [Scalloway Community Council] I stepped into that role – and Arnold’s help was regularly on hand and very much appreciated.”
Duncan received his MBE in 2016 for services to the constabulary, court service and the community in Shetland.
Former Shetland police chief and current lord lieutenant for the isles Lindsay Tulloch said it was with “great sadness that we remember Arnold Duncan MBE”.
“Arnold devoted 30 years of distinguished service to Northern Constabulary, spending the entirety of his police career in Shetland,” he said.
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“He retired in 1996 as inspector at Lerwick, having earned the respect and affection of colleagues and the wider Shetland community.
“Throughout his service, Arnold was much more than a police officer. He was deeply committed to the people of Shetland and to the community he was proud to serve.
“His professionalism, integrity, fairness and genuine concern for others made him a highly respected figure, not only among his colleagues in Shetland but also among police officers and friends further afield.
“Retirement did not mark the end of Arnold’s service to the community. He continued to give his time and experience generously through a number of voluntary roles. Among these was his service for several years as honorary sheriff at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where his knowledge, wisdom and calm judgement were greatly valued.
“Arnold’s life was characterised by service, commitment and an enduring sense of duty.
“Whether wearing the uniform of Northern Constabulary or contributing to the community in retirement, he remained someone who cared deeply about Shetland and its people.”
Tulloch said those who had the privilege of working with Duncan will remember a “respected colleague and friend; those who knew him through his many community roles will remember his willingness to help and his quiet dedication to public service”.
“His contribution to Shetland over so many years was considerable, and his passing will be keenly felt by his former colleagues, friends and the many people whose lives he touched,” he added.
“Arnold served Shetland with distinction for 30 years and continued to serve its community long after his police career had ended. His legacy of service, respect and commitment will be remembered with gratitude and affection.”
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