Award for police criminal intelligence analyst for the Highlands and Islands
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A criminal intelligence analyst serving the Highlands and Islands has been recognised for her work in Police Scotland's annual bravery and excellence awards.
Mhari Matheson scooped the police member of staff of the year award.
One of her specialisms involves tackling the problem of county lines - where drug gangs from elsewhere in the UK attempt to cause problems in the region.
The citation said: "Mhairi Matheson is a criminal intelligence analyst who has served the communities of the Highlands and Islands for over 30 years.
"She is held in extremely high regard by colleagues, supporting agencies and other UK forces, due to her high standards, ability and dedication. She is described as someone who is easily approachable, willing to contribute and completely committed to her vocation.
"She continually seeks to advance her knowledge and capability, which is evident through her work in tackling county line drug supply and improvements to support the provision of evidence to the High Court."
Chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone said: “Policing is a relentless but hugely rewarding vocation in which you can help people and change lives for the better.
“These awards illustrate the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by police officers and staff right across Scotland every day.
"I am grateful for their commitment to public service and dedication to duty.
“Equally, effective policing is enabled and enhanced by our bond with the public and the trust and support of our communities.
"It is a privilege to recognise the bravery of our fellow citizens who stepped forward with courage when need arose.
“The opportunity to welcome nominees, recipients and their families to headquarters and offer my personal thanks, regards and congratulations is a pleasure.”
Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for justice and veterans, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding bravery of members of the public as well as police officers and staff committed to keeping us safe.
“I would like to personally commend each and every one of the nominees for going above and beyond what could be reasonably expected, in order to help others.
"Their collective acts epitomise and signify the very best values of modern policing and of wider society and demonstrate selflessness when faced with incredibly challenging and dangerous situations.”
