As part of a UK-wide series of 4 experiments during the late 1960’s to evaluate the usefulness of helicopters in normal police work, the North of Scotland played host to one such experiment. Between 21st February and 20th March 1968, RAF Kinloss in Morayshire was the base for a pair of military Scout helicopters piloted by Army Air Corps pilots, with police observers.
The Forces which participated in the experiment, and the officers involved, were: Scottish North-Eastern Counties Constabulary (Insp. Charles Inglis), Ross & Sutherland Constabulary (Insp. Charles Rhoden), Inverness-shire Constabulary (Insp. Murdoch J MacLeod) and Inverness Burgh Police (Sgt Richard Young).
The SNECC HQ Force Information Room at Bucksburn (Aberdeen) acted as Police Control Centre for the experiment and a Police Operations Room at the RAF base was manned by Sgt MacInnes (SNECC) and Constables A Ross (Inverness-shire) and R MacLeod (Ross & Sutherland).
As well as various operational police incidents in which the helicopter participated – which included assisting mountain search and rescue teams - another interesting use was made of the helicopter, as recorded by Inspector MacLeod:
“The Chief Constable of Inverness-shire (Andrew McClure) wished to visit Police Stations at Glenelg, Broadford, Dunvegan, Uig, Portree, Ardvasar, Mallaig and Fort William. Normally a visitation such as this would entail two days at least. However on 15th March 1968, such visitation was carried out in a flying time of approximately three hours, a considerable saving of valuable time”
The comprehensive report produced by Inspector MacLeod illustrated numerous examples which he concluded
“The experiment clearly indicated the inestimable value of helicopters to the Police Service”.
Sadly we do not have the names of the Army Air Corps personnel involved but .. anyone with an inkling as to who participated, please do chip in.
(L-R) Insp M.J. MacLeod, Chief Constable Andrew McClure, Chief Inspector Hugh MacLeod (Sub divisional Officer, Fort William) and Constable Angus Macdonald, at Fort William on 15th March 1968
Inspector MacLeod and PC Ross (both Inverness-shire) in front of the Army Scout
Back row (L-R), Sgt Young, Insp MacLeod, Insp Rhoden, and Insp Inglis
Front row: The 4 Army Air Corps pilots
British Army Scout at RAF Kinloss on exercise with the Scottish Police during an evaluation programme in 1968
(L-R) Sgt Dick Young, Insp Murdo James MacLeod, Constable Sandy Ross, Insp Charlie Rhoden
With thanks to the families of the late Supt. James MacIntyre and of the late Inspector M.J. MacLeod (both of the Inverness-shire Constabulary) for these photos.