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We all had the chance to get active on Wednesday morning,
when Rob Stenhouse ran a practical session on the Explosive
Self Defence System (ESDS). Everyone thoroughly enjoyed
this session, although some were a little over zealous.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit
to a whisky distillery. After our exertions in the morning,
we enjoyed some social and cultural time at Tullibardine
Distillery. In what was a first experience for most of our
group, we were given a guided tour and an explanation of
the whisky making process. Finishing in the Tasting Room,
we received three samples of different whiskies, and had
the art of nosing and tasting demonstrated to us. Taking
advantage of the much improved weather, we made a
de-tour to see the famous Kelpies on the Forth and Clyde
Canal. The 30 metre high horses heads portray mythological
beasts with the strength of 10 horses.
Our first stop in Edinburgh was
to its Castle, which dominates
the Edinburgh skyline. Jim
gave us an informative history
of the Castle, pointing out
things of interest, like the
Stone of Destiny, used for all
inaugurations of Scottish Kings,
the Crown Jewels and Mons
Meg, a six ton medieval siege
gun. Everyone’s highlight was
the One O’clock Gun, which is
fired each and every day of the
year. The tradition dates back to
1861 when ships set their clocks
by the sound of the gun. Even though you know what is going to happen, there were still
screams when the gun was fired. The University had supplied us with a packed lunch, which
we ate on Arthurs Seat, an extinct volcano that gave us panoramic views over Edinburgh.
That evening was our Gala Dinner, to which the vast majority wore their Police Uniforms, in
a variety of colours and styles. They all looked very smart. Our Gala Dinner was at the Royal
Scots Club, a Georgian Terrace Hotel in the centre of Edinburgh, where we were joined by
our sponsors and other guests. After a pre-dinner drink we were piped into the beautiful
dining room by Sandro Winter, one of the officers from Switzerland. He did a fantastic job
and received a huge round of applause. After an excellent dinner the young officers received
their YPOS Attendance Certificates and an Acme Police Whistle, engraved with the IPA Logo.
Friday was our final day, which continued with a presentation about Immigration and
Human Trafficking, given by Jack Linton from the Home Office and Peter Lennon from Police
Scotland. It sparked plenty of discussion, as the majority of countries represented have
issues around these topics.
Our final presentation was from Jim Wyllie, who heads the International Development Unit at
Police Scotland. He gave an insight into the countries they work with, and the ways in which
foreign officers can work with Police Scotland.
The Closing ceremony was conducted by May-Britt Ronnebro and our President Clive Wood,
where several official gifts were presented and received, including a YPOS Challenge Coin. I
would like to personally thank all the presenters; Steve Bretherton, who assisted me during
the week; Aidan Goundry & Jordan Blyth who did the meeting and greeting at the Airport
and Andrew Wright & Bill Petherick who helped with airport transfers. Without your help and
support, the seminar would not have been the success it was.
Thursday was spent in Edinburgh and thankfully the sun
was shining. Our tour guide was retired Police Officer Jim
Leslie, who gave us a history lesson during our bus journey
to Scotland’s Capital. Our first photo stop was at the Bridges
Viewpoint, where you can see all three Bridges crossing
the Forth: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, the Road Bridge and
the new Queensferry Crossing. David and I were among 1%
of Scottish residents who won a ballot to walk across the
bridge before it opened to traffic in 2017, through which we
raised money for the Police Role of Honour Trust.
YPOS delegates at Edinburgh Castle
YPOS Gala Dinner
YPOS delegates visit the Firth of Forth
YPOS delegates visit the Kelpies
YPOS delegates at Tullibardine Distillery
Professional Development
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POLICE WORLD
Vol 64 No.4, 2019