A number of actresses best known for their roles as on-screen detectives have added their voices to those praising the determination and professionalism of the women in Scotland who help to keep people safe as we celebrate 100 years of women in policing.
Events have been taking place across the country in recent weeks to highlight the changes which have occurred over the past century with regards to women in policing, including the abolition in 1968 of a rule which meant women had to leave the service when they got married.
Blythe Duff, who is known to millions of “Taggart” fans as Detective Sergeant Jackie Reid, said: “I’d like to send my very best wishes to Scotland’s serving and retired police women as Police Scotland celebrates 100 years of women in policing. “Having played a police officer in “Taggart” I’ve had some insight into the kind of working life women in policing lead, and I take my hat off to them. They face numerous challenges on a daily basis, whilst striving to perform to the best of their abilities and serve their communities to the highest standard. “It’s incredible to see the changes which have taken place throughout the last century, with women now able to undertake any role within the force, and rise to the highest ranks within the service.”
Star of “Rebus”, Claire Price, said: “I spent a morning with a female DS when I was researching Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clark for ‘Rebus’ and I still remember my time with her.
“She was very impressive – a skilled officer, a working mum and a wife. She said dark humour helped keep her, and her fellow officers, going, on days when she was at a murder scene in the afternoon then making her child’s dinner a few hours later. The respect she showed for her work was total.
“Playing a policewoman on TV was a lot easier. But like all women in hitherto male-dominated worlds, we both had to negotiate working with strong men. It gets easier for each generation.”
Alison O’Donnell is well known for her role as Detective Constable Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh in “Shetland”:
“I feel incredibly proud to be representing a Scottish police woman and have the greatest respect and admiration for the work that they do.
“It is absolutely right that in 2015 all roles within Police Scotland are open to women and I congratulate them on the immense progress made in the last 100 years.
“I hope that in the next 100 years many more young women and girls are inspired to follow careers in the police force.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
