Scotland honours fallen Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire police officers

Chief Constable Arthur Johnstone McIntosh of Dunbartonshire Constabulary and Police Constable William Ferguson of Lanarkshire Constabulary were among six officers added to Scotland’s police roll of honour.

Their names were engraved on memorial stones at Police Scotland Headquarters in Tulliallan during the 22nd Scottish Police Memorial Trust Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

A service was held to remember fallen police officers (Image: Police Scotland)

Chief Constable McIntosh, aged 66, died on March 8, 1956, after collapsing in his office at Dunbartonshire Constabulary headquarters.

He was taken to the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, where he died.

His inclusion on the memorial recognises a senior officer who served Dunbartonshire communities before his death.

The service ensures his contribution, and the impact on his family and colleagues, is not forgotten.

PC Ferguson, aged 41, died on June 10, 1966.

He was found dead while on his beat at Newton, near Cambuslang, in Lanarkshire.

The ceremony was attended by families and friends of officers who died while serving their communities.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM welcomed those gathered to remember the fallen.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “Today, we come together for the Scottish Police Memorial Trust’s 22nd Annual Service of Remembrance, an essential date in the policing calendar.”

A minute of silence was held after a Service of Remembrance led by Reverend Ann Purdie. Wreaths were laid at the memorial stones.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM continued: “Each year, we come together and reaffirm our commitment, as a policing family, to support our colleagues, friends, and loved ones. To lift each other up and offer strength and comfort.”

Justice Secretary Neil Gray also addressed the service. Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “Every day police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe. For some, tragically, that means paying the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Scottish Police Memorial Trust was established in 2003.

Its purpose is to honour police officers who died on duty in Scotland.

It also supports families and carries out historical research to ensure no officer is forgotten.

Since the first service in 2004, memorial stones have been engraved with the names of 356 officers.

They came from Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and predecessor forces dating back to 1812.

A service was held to remember fallen police officers (Image: Police Scotland)

This year’s six additions represented former forces in Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Dunbartonshire and Lanarkshire.

They also included Police Sergeant George Hone, Sergeant Major Charles Ramage, Criminal Officer Willian Mulholland and Police Constable Robert May.

Sergeant Hone, of Edinburgh City Police, died from injuries suffered during the High Street riot around June 5, 1815.

Sergeant Major Ramage died after collapsing on duty on May 23, 1837.

Criminal Officer Mulholland died after taking ill while travelling from Edinburgh during his duties on September 30, 1845.

PC May, of Aberdeenshire Constabulary, died after collapsing while leaving home to begin work on August 29, 1873.

The stones remember the price paid by officers and their families to keep people and communities safe. Speakers included Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray and Reverend Ann Purdie.

A service was held to remember fallen police officers (Image: Police Scotland)

Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of the Trust, attended. Her husband, PC Lewis Fulton, was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994.

Christine Fulton MBE said: “This is always a special event to attend as we take time to reflect on our officers who have died.”

The Scottish Police and Community Choir performed during the service.