The Scottish Police Authority has announced the appointment of three new Assistant Chief Constables to Police Scotland.
T/ACC Stuart Houston, Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton and Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, all currently serving with Police Scotland, will take up their new posts on 10 June 2024.
The appointments follow a robust selection and recruitment process and fill vacancies following the appointment of Alan Speirs and Bex Smith as Deputy Chief Constables and the retirement of ACC Davie Duncan.
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority, and the Selection Panel who interviewed candidates for the role, announced the appointment saying:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart, Catriona and Mark to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland.
“All three officers bring a wealth of skills and experience to enhance and support the Chief Constable and her leadership team to progress the next important phase of police reform.
“I am grateful to all the officers who put themselves forward for such a demanding selection process.”
Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Jo Farrell added: “I congratulate Stuart, Catriona and Mark on their promotions and thank all the candidates who participated in a competitive and rigorous selection process.”
Biography of Stuart Houston; T/Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston joined Lothian and Borders Police in May 1996. He is the current executive lead for Professionalism and Assurance which includes Professional Standards, Anti-Corruption and Organisational Learning & Continuous Improvement. He has been T/ACC since August 2023.
Biography of Catriona Paton; Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton joined Central Scotland Police in June 1991. She is currently the Divisional Commander for Lothians and Scottish Borders having previously led the Force Middle Office Remodelling, a Service wide transformation project. Catriona was appointed to the rank of Chief Superintendent in July 2020.
Biography of Mark Sutherland:Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland joined Strathclyde Police in February 2001, becoming a Chief Superintendent in 2020. He took on the newly created role of Chief of Staff in January 2024. Prior to this he was Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow.
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.
