MBE for Arnold Duncan

A retired police inspector has been made an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Arnold Duncan, of Scalloway, joined the force in 1966 and served as a police officer for 30 years before later being made an Honorary Sheriff.

Now, the 68 year-old has been recognised for services to the Constabulary Court Service and the community.

He described the moment he learned of the news, which came as a welcome surprise to Mr Duncan following a spell away from home.

“I had been on holiday. My neighbour next door was looking after my mail, and when she brought it through she drew my attention to a letter that was marked ‘Urgent’ ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ and ‘From the Cabinet Office’, and I wondered what this was all about,” he said.

“I didn’t open it until half past nine that night, and I was quite amazed to realise what it was all about. I didn’t expect it. I felt very humbled and at the same time very honoured to think that Her Majesty the Queen had considered me in this her 90th year for an honour. So I was really very pleased to get it at this particular time.”

During his time in the force Mr Duncan rose through the ranks, joining the CID and later being made an Inspector.

He was involved in an investigation into the IRA bombing during the opening of the Sullom Voe oil terminal, which the Queen was attending.

Since retiring he has served on the community council in Scalloway and has also had involvement in the Scalloway Waterfront Trust.

The news comes after two women were also recognised in the birthday honours.

Jessie Hartley – known as Greta – was awarded the BEM for services to the community following 36 years as a postmistress at Hamnavoe, while Valerie Johnson – a director of Frankie’s Fish and Chips in Brae – was also awarded the BEM.