PW_4_2019

Professional Development

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

YPOS delegates at Edinburgh Castle

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.

YPOS delegates at Tullibardine Distillery

YPOS Gala Dinner

YPOS delegates visit the Kelpies

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.

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.

YPOS delegates visit the Firth of Forth

POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.4, 2019

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