PW_2_2023

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Haste Ye Back: Hiking in Scotland Andy Wright, Secretary, Central Scotland Branch In March 2022, Section USA member Nico Coia and his wife travelled to Edinburgh, after attending a wedding in York. I took Nico, who works in Washington DC with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), to visit the Scottish Police College, where he enjoyed seeing a scenario-based training exercise, and learning how differently firearms incidents are dealt with by unarmed officers.

A very interesting and entertaining tour of the College and Castle, where all Scottish Police recruits are trained, was given by Gordon Thomson, of Police Scotland International Academy. A quick visit to the nearby Kelpies statues, on the Forth & Clyde Canal, and the world’s only rotating boat lift at The Falkirk Wheel, finished a wonderful day. A few days later, I took Nico and his wife Gianna to the home of golf, at Saint Andrews. We enjoyed lunch at the Jigger Inn, which is adjacent to the road hole, the famous 17th hole of the Old Course. A tour of the sights in the famous town, including the University (where Prince William met Kate), the castle, the cathedral and St. Rule’s Tower. In August, I met up with Judy Duffy, the President of Region 39 in the USA (Florida), in Dunblane. Judy was visiting Scotland as part of an organised coach tour of Scotland and Ireland, with a group of friends. With her busy itinerary it was a short catch up, with gifts and stories exchanged and the hope of a return visit. In September, I assisted the Irish IPA Hiking Club, who came over for a week of walking in the Stirling area. Together with Branch Chair, Sandy Morton & his wife Mary, Vice-Chair Dave Smith & his wife Liz, and Branch Treasurer, Jim Bayliss, I met the 10 visitors at The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling. A very enjoyable social evening was followed by my joining the group for two of their three walks.

Tuesday was an enjoyable walk up Ben Ledi, near Callander, which was thankfully completed just before torrential rain. The group enjoyed seeing the memorial, near the summit of Ben Ledi, to Harry Lawrie, a sergeant and member of the Killin mountain rescue team. He was killed in a helicopter crash on nearby Ben More in 1987. Harry’s son, Gary, is a current member of Central Scotland IPA. A poignant moment during the hike. A small toast/ dram of whisky was taken at the summit to remember Harry. The following day was the challenge of Ben Lomond. Despite the changeable weather, and no view at the summit, incredible views of Loch Lomond was enjoyed on the ascent and descent. The summit was toasted this day with a drop of Irish whiskey. The group enjoyed a third day of hillwalking on Ben Cleuch, near Tillicoultry, but I was unable to join them. Sandy, Mary and Jim again joined the group that evening for a few drinks, and I met up with them on their departure day. Gifts were exchanged and the offer of assistance to anyone travelling to Ireland on walking trips was made. A huge thanks to Lorraine, John, Ciaran, Declan, Dermot, Michelle, Freddy, Joy, Kyra and Carmel of the IPA Hiking Club, for great company on the walks and being great company (the craic was mighty!!). As we say to any visitors to Scotland… Haste Ye Back (hurry back).

IPA Hiking Club and Andy on the Summit of Ben Lomond

IPA Hiking Club and Andy in Stirling

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023