Opening the case-book of Sutherland's first constabulary
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From the Highland Archive Centre
The Northern Constabulary collection contains Sutherland constabulary records dating back to the Police (Scotland) Act of 1857, when it became mandatory for counties in Scotland to establish a police force.
According to the Commissioner of Supply minutes, the County of Sutherland opted to fund its own police officers from at least as early as the 1820s, however from 1858 onwards the Government assisted in funding forces nationwide. From 16th March 1858 it was proposed the Sutherland police force would consist of one chief constable, one superintendent, and seven constables.
The Records and Defaulters Book of Service Officers 1858-1959 is a staff register recording conduct. A substantial amount of detail can be extracted from these relating to each officer, such as, 28-year-old Alexander Munro from Foulis, Ross-shire who was appointed constable at Helmsdale on 26th July 1888. From 1888-1897 he served at Helmsdale, Bettyhill, Embo, and Dornoch. Unfortunately, his work as a Sutherland policeman was cut short in 1897 after being dismissed. He was reported for being ‘the worse for drink’ on numerous occasions including one time while on duty at the Lairg public sale.
The Sutherland Case Book 1858-1863, offer some interesting cases of criminal activity in the county. A constable in Bettyhill, PC Stuart, received a complaint that on December 21, 1862 accusing Robert Gunn, Angus Gunn, and John McKay of Portvasgo, Melness of wrecking or theft from the ship “Ohego” of Dundee which had travelled from Quebec with flour and butter, and “was wrecked in the bay near Tongue and all hands lost, the cargo was skewed along the beach on both sides of the Kyle and quantities of it carried off by the inhabitants before a sufficient watch could be organised”. The three accused were said to have “carried off several sacks of the flour in a cart but on a warrant being obtained for their apprehension it was found they had absconded.”
One excerpt, dated 1884 from PC Sandieson highlights some archaic practices in dealing with offences. Teenagers from Achnacarnin in Assynt had been accused of breaking the leg of a horse and were to receive punishment implemented by their own parents.
The following day Sandieson witnessed James Mackenzie flog his son Donald and a widow named Robina Mackenzie doing the very same to her son Alexander!
