An annual memorial service for police officers who have died while on duty was held yesterday at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre
A congregation of 1,200 people including families and colleagues attended the event where candles were lit for officers from throughout the UK.
A wreath was laid to commemorate the victims of the Clutha helicopter tragedy and Mark Nelis whose wife Kirsty died in the crash gave a reading at the ceremony.
Scottish Police Federation chairman Brian Docherty read out the names of officers who have died on duty in the last year.
Sergeant Joe Holness, who founded the commemoration, said: “This special day gives us the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember our loved ones, friends and colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst protecting the communities they served.
“It is an honourable day and a poignant reminder of the dangerous nature of policing.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am honoured to have been asked to make the opening remarks of welcome at this year’s National Police Memorial Day Service.
“Each day, right across the country, police officers make an incredible contribution to our communities and we recognise and value the incredible bravery they display as they undertake their duties, often in extremely dangerous situations.
“Today’s service will give us all the opportunity to remember and honour those officers who have given their lives while in the line of duty.
“We will never forget their courage, and my thoughts are very much with families, friends and colleagues of those who have died.
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.
