Officers who died while on duty remembered at annual Scottish Police Memorial Trust Service
Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM welcomed the families and friends of fallen colleagues at the 22nd Scottish Police Memorial Trust Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, 2 September, 2026, as they gathered in honour of those who passed away while serving their communities.
The Scottish Police Memorial Trust (SPMT) is a charity, established in 2003, with the purpose of honouring police officers who have died on duty in Scotland. There stands a memorial at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, where there is an annual service of remembrance. The Trust also provides support to the family of officers who have died on duty and conducts historical research to ensure no officer who has died on duty in Scotland is forgotten.
Speakers at today’s service included Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray and Reverend Ann Purdie, who delivered the Service of Remembrance before a minute of silence to remember the fallen.
Speaking at today’s service 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.
“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.
“Today, we send a message of support and condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Cleveland Police Constables Tom Clough and Matthew Blades whose devastating deaths on duty last month resonated across the UK policing family.
“In Scotland, sadly, the attempted murder of two colleagues in Larkhall in July is a sharp reminder that in times of crisis, police officers move towards danger to keep others safe.
“I want to recognise and pay tribute to officers across the UK who answer calls for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When officers respond to duty, families and loved ones provide crucial care, and support.”
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 service provides an important opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication and selflessness of those who have died on duty and to recognise the profound debt of gratitude we owe to them and their families.
“The commitment to public service and to protecting others who serve is an enduring example to us all.”
Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, whose husband PC Lewis Fulton was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994, added: “This is always a special event to attend as we take time to reflect on our officers who have died. Following last week’s tragic event in Cleveland, we are all aware of the importance of remembering and paying tribute to our officers. This years’ service will be even more poignant than normal.”
Since the first service in 2004, the memorial stones have been engraved with the names of 356 police officers from Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and their antecedent forces dating back to 1812. The stones represent a fitting tribute to the price police officers, and their families, pay to keep people, places and communities of Scotland safe.
Speakers at the ceremony laid wreaths at the memorial stones alongside David Garbutt QPM from the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, Alistair Hay as Vice Chair of Scottish Police Authority, Chief Inspector Craig Naylor from HMICS, Robert Balfour as Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Matt Hamilton from the Retired Police Officers Association, David Threadgold from the Scottish Police Federation and Chief Superintendent Rob Hay from the Association of Police Superintendents.
This year’s additions to the wall represented former police forces in Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Dunbartonshire and Lanarkshire.
Police Sergeant George Hone, Edinburgh City Police, 09/06/1815
Died due to injuries during the ‘High Street’ riot around 5 June.
Sergeant Major Charles Ramage (39), Edinburgh City Police, 23/05/1837
Died after he collapsed on duty.
Criminal Officer Willian Mulholland (42), Edinburgh City Police, 30/09/1845
Died after taking ill when travelling from Edinburgh in the course of his duties.
Police Constable Robert May (51), Aberdeenshire Constabulary, 29/08/1873
Died after he collapsed when leaving home to begin his work for the day.
Chief Constable Arthur Johnstone McIntosh (66), Dunbartonshire Constabulary, 08/03/1956
Died after he collapsed in his office at police headquarters and was taken to hospital at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow
Police Constable William Ferguson (41), Lanarkshire Constabulary, 10/06/1966
Found dead on his beat at Newton near Cambuslang.
A special thanks is extended to the Scottish Police and Community Choir for their performance supporting this year’s service.