A FORMER Helensburgh-based policeman has been named officer of the year at the force’s national awards ceremony.

PC Craig Stamp received the esteemed honour at the Police Scotland excellence awards in Tulliallan on Friday morning.

PC Stamp had been the youth engagement officer for Helensburgh and Lomond until January of this year, but was replaced by Stephen Carr after moving on.

He had been working in close partnership with schools throughout the area, earning high praise in his previous role for “building an outstanding rapport with young people and partners alike”.

He has seven years’ service with Police Scotland and received his award from Scotland’s justice secretary Humza Yousaf.

Sergeant Wendy Maginnis, who is stationed at Helensburgh Police Office, was also presented with the wellbeing award at the event.

She has been involved in wellbeing matters and the ongoing strategy to improve wellbeing within the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire division since the launch last year, driving a number of divisional initiatives and supporting her colleagues in critical and emotionally challenging incidents.

Helensburgh and Lomond MSP Maurice Corry was quick to commend PC Stamp for his achievement.

He said: “It is hard to think of a more deserving police officer than PC Stamp for this accolade.

"I have had the pleasure of meeting with him, and holding a minute silence on Armistice Day at Helensburgh Police Station.

"Community safety is vital, and a role I engage heavily with. His work within the community and with the youth has been tremendous.

"I want to thank him for this and wish him all the very best for the future.”

The fourth annual awards ceremony was attended by chief constable Iain Livingstone, who said: “Our people are our best and most important attribute and the Excellence Awards offer an opportunity to reflect on the quality service they provide to Scotland every day.

“I am privileged to lead an organisation where the standard of nominees and winners is so high and covers such a wide range of policing.

“It was a pleasure to be able to personally thank officers, staff and special constables for their professionalism and dedication.”

We will have further reaction to the awards in next week’s Advertiser.