Northern Constabulary Museum

15/04/2026

In memory of Special Constable ANDREW PERRIE, of Inverness Burgh Police who died in the line of duty at Inverness Burgh Police Office, Castle Wynd, on this date in 1944. NEVER FORGOTTEN

20/10/2025

SUNDAY 2nd NOVEMBER - FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS COMMEMORATION, INVERNESS:
(1.45 pm for 2.00 pm - Tomnahurich Cemetery @ Bruce Gardens Gate)

Sunday 2nd November is the 57th anniversary (to the day) of the tragic loss of Det Sgt Evan Lumsden and PC Iain Ritchie of Inverness Burgh Police, who both lost their lives in the line of duty while conducting an underwater search of Caledonian Canal at Fort William for a Missing Person. The tragedy occurred on 3rd November 1968, 2 weeks before the Inverness Burgh and Inverness-shire Police forces merged.

As in previous years I intend to make my own personal tribute to these officers at their graves in Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness - it will be a fairly brief and informal tribute, at which I will be accompanied by Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band's Pipe Major and Pipers..

I WISH TO CORDIALLY INVITE members of the public, and serving/retired police officers and other Emergency Services personnel (and families), to join me - if you would like to come along, please meet at the Bruce Gardens entrance to the Cemetery at 1.45 pm.

ALL WELCOME - please wrap up well for the weather.

Afterwards, I also plan to attend the nearby grave of Special Constable Andrew Perry, who died in the line of duty in 1944 in Inverness Town Centre, to again pay respects.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS and I HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU ON SUNDAY 2ND.
NEVER FORGOTTEN.
David Conner
(Northern Constabulary - retired)
Northern Constabulary On-Line Museum

11/07/2025

126 YEARS AGO - Never forgotten
Peoples journal Saturday 15 July 1899

Sad death of Inverness Constable
Native of Nairnshire

The death on Tuesday morning of David Thomson, of the Inverness Burgh Police Force, has aroused deep feelings of regret not only among the members of the police force, but among the citizens who knew the officer. Death resulted from the effects of an accident sustained on Wednesday evening week. Thomson lodged in the house 3 Alexandria Buildings, Queen Street, Inverness and on going home on the night in question from duty he accidentally slipped on the unprotected stone stair, which is very steep and with out a handrail. Overbalancing, he fell to the bottom of the stair, his head being severely injured. He was at once lifted, when it was found the unfortunate man was unconscious. He was removed to the Northern Infirmary, and, despite the best medical skill, succumbed to the injuries on Tuesday morning. Deceased was an efficient officer, and was greatly esteemed by his comrades. He was a teetotaller, and took a keen interest in his duties. He joined the Burgh Police force in 1893, and was promoted first-class constable in 1897. He was a native of Auldearn, and was 25 years of age. The funeral took place on Thursday, the remains being conveyed to Nairn per 11.5 a.m. trains. The obsequies were attended by all the officers and constables of the burgh force, and also of the members of the Fire Brigade. Chief constable Macdonald was in command. Six police officers acted as pall-bearers, and the chief mourners and general public followed the hearse. A beautiful wreath, subscribed for by the police forces, was placed on the coffin.
126 YEARS AGO

16/05/2025

in memory of NORTHERN CONSTABULARY
- would have been her 50TH BIRTHDAY today (16 May)
16.05.1975 - 31.03.2013

19/02/2025

Sad news - Death of retired Chief Constable.

The former Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, Ian Latimer QPM, has died aged 68.

Mr Latimer led the force from 2001 until 2011, after previously serving with Merseyside Police and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2006.

Mr Latimer, who died at home in Teandalloch, Beauly, on Wednesday, 12 February, 2025, is survived by his wife, Margaret, and three children and daughter-in-law – Matthew, Jonathan, Daniel and Niamh.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “Ian has been described by those who worked with him as a passionate and reliable leader and a real champion of the Highlands.

“I know from conversations since we learned the sad news of his death how much he was liked, respected and admired in policing.

“He had a great impact on the Highland community as Chief Constable for 10 years and was always interested and supportive of the work of colleagues and partner agencies.

“The thoughts of everyone at Police Scotland are with Ian’s family, friends and former colleagues at this sad time.”

Mr Latimer’s funeral will take place at the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culdethel Road, Inverness, at 2pm on Friday, 28 February. This will be live streamed for those unable to attend - https://orlo.uk/w5sey

20/12/2024

126 YEARS AGO TODAY - LAST Police Officer MURDERED in the line of duty in Highlands & Islands
NEVER FORGET

25/10/2024

SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER - FALLEN OFFICER COMMEMORATION:
(1.45 pm for 2.00 pm Tomnahurich Cemetery @ Bruce Gardens Gate)
Next Sunday is the 56th anniversary (to the day and to the date) of the tragic loss of Det Sgt Evan Lumsden and PC Iain Ritchie of Inverness Burgh Police, who both lost their lives in the line of duty which conducting an underwater search of Caledonian Canal at Fort William for a Missing Person.
As in previous years I intend to make my own personal tribute to these officers at their graves in Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness - it will be a fairly brief and informal tribute, at which I will be accompanied by Northern Constabulary Pipe Band pipers.
I WISH TO CORDIALLY INVITE members of the public, and serving/retired police officers and other Emergency Services personnel (and families), to join me - if you would like to come along, please meet at the Bruce Gardens entrance to the Cemetery at 1.45 pm.
ALL WELCOME - please wrap up well for the weather.
Afterwards, I also plan to attend the nearby grave of Special Constable Andrew Perry, who died on duty in 1944 in Inverness Town Centre, to again pay respects.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS and I HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU ON SUNDAY 3RD.
NEVER FORGOTTEN.