New probationers step into a job like no other as they swear the oath of constable in front of senior officers.

Police Scotland welcomed its latest cohort of officers at its headquarters in Tulliallan and regional training centre, Jackton, yesterday, Thursday, 12 March 2026.

The 71 recruits were given their warrant cards after swearing the oath of constable.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs addressed the officers at Jackton while Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton addressed them at the ceremony in Tulliallan.

ACC Paton said: “Swearing the oath of constable is a significant moment for our new recruits who are now legally appointed in their role.

“They have become accountable under Scottish policing law and promise to serve communities with integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights.

“Policing is a varied, challenging and hugely rewarding career and the responsibilities of a police officer are considerable. I thank all of our new recruits for choosing a job like no other.”

There are 49 males and 22 females in this latest intake, bringing officer establishment to 16,522.

Among them is Isle of Lewis man, David Thomson, a former production manager for Stornaway black pudding. He didn’t recognise the skills he had could be transferable to policing.

He said: “I had been a chef for 10 years before I became a production manager, overseeing the manufacturing process of Stornaway black pudding, one of Scotland’s most significant exports.

“I had responsibility, but I wanted a new challenge, a job where I could turn up and expect the unexpected and that’s why I entered policing.

“Living in remote and rural communities really prepares you for policing them. You understand the way of life, the local nuances, how to build trust with residents and clubs and strengthen local intelligence.

“I didn’t recognise this before I applied to become a police officer but the process helped me acknowledge the value I can bring. I already feel a sense of pride after swearing the oath of constable and for my wee boy to know that I am keeping people safe is the icing on the cake.”

David’s colleague, Laura Henshall wanted a similar change. At 43 and with four children, including a set of twins, she wanted a career where she could challenge herself and where each day is different.

Laura’s most recent job was as a church youth worker – working alongside the priest in her local village of Kinlochleven.

That job had a wide specification and often took her outside her comfort zone, visiting families of dying relatives. She didn’t recognise the transferable skills she could bring to policing, like, for example, the compassion she could afford vulnerable people.

Laura said: “I had worked in the NHS, I had been a full-time mum, I considered primary school teaching, but it was policing that inspired me.

“That ability to help people really resonates with me and, when I look back on my own life experiences, I know I can absolutely do that.

“Fostering trust with people in local communities is something I’d been doing most of my life and I see how critical that is to policing."

This latest intake of officers will deploy to communities on 13 July following the initial stage of their two-year probationer training.

Police Scotland is recruiting officers. We are hosting an online event in Orkney on 26 March for future candidates to talk to local officers, find out more about the role and ask questions of our recruitment specialists. They can also chat with our probationers who will be able to share their recent experiences.

If you are considering becoming a police volunteer, you can also join the event and hear from the Orkney Drugs Dog charity where special constables can gain employment as dog handlers in Orkney.

The event starts at 6:30pm - 8pm. Register your interest now or visit our recruitment pages for details of recruitment events in your area.

Probationers Laura Henshall and David Thomson