New police chief takes control

Newly promoted chief inspector Eddie Graham has been appointed the local area commander for Shetland.

He replaces outgoing chief inspector Angus MacInnes, who has moved to the Scottish Borders to undertake his role as superintendent.

Chief inspector Graham took up post this week and is in the process of familiarising himself with his new role which he says he is very much looking forward to.

Originally from Fife, Mr Graham has 28 years experience in the police and previously served as a sergeant in Shetland between 1999 and 2003.

He spent the next few years in Orkney but was always keen to return north. This opportunity came when he was promoted to local area inspector for Shetland in 2010.

Inspector Lindsay Tulloch, originally from Bressay, will move back to the isles to assist Mr Graham. Mr Tulloch has been in the police for 21 years and brings considerable experience from his recent roll in the Public Protection Unit based in Thurso.

Spokesman Barry Collard said: “With their combined depth of local knowledge, experience of operational policing and appreciation of island life, this will allow them to serve the community well and deal successfully with any local issues that may occur.

“Command area priorities will continue to include local engagement and community consultation, tackling violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour, emergency planning and resilience, protecting people and road policing.”

Mr Graham said: “Throughout my service in the isles I have always been impressed by the Shetland community’s resilience when it comes to dealing with major incidents or weather events.

“Policing benefits from well embedded partnerships with public, private and voluntary sectors however the bedrock of successful policing is the continued positive relationship we at Police Scotland have with our communities.

“I am confident that with public support for policing in Shetland we will continue to ensure that these islands remain one of the safest places to live in Scotland.”