Police on Shetland have welcomed a new dog with a talented nose for narcotics to their team.
Two-year-old black Labrador Oscar has been whisked up north after beginning his career on the mainland with Police Scotland’s dog unit, and will now work from Lerwick Police Station with his new handler, Special Constable (SPC) Ewan Anderson.
Oscar is taking over the role from Blade, a 10-year-old fox red Labrador, who is approaching his well-earned retirement.
Shetland’s drug dogs and their handlers are provided by local charity Dogs Against Drugs, which was founded by a group of islanders in 2001 after a spate of drugs deaths.
The two handlers brought in by the charity – SPC Michael Coutts, who has 18 years’ service, and SPC Anderson who has nine – work alongside regular police officers to detect illegal drugs entering and being used on the islands.
The initiative has been such a success that a similar one has been launched on Orkney.
Oscar will be working alongside the charity’s three other Labradors: five-year-old Axel, four-year-old Odin and six-year-old Thor.
Dogs Against Drugs chairman Ian Davidge, said: “I would like to thank the Police Scotland Dog Unit for donating Oscar to Shetland and we welcome him as a strong and valuable addition to our organisation.
“I am sure that Oscar and Ewan will have an excellent partnership and prove as successful as his last partnership with Blade.”
SPC Anderson added: “I look forward to introducing Oscar to the community and continuing our important work.”
Highlands and Islands Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, who visited Lerwick and met the dogs recently, said: “Both SPC Anderson and SPC Coutts have made a significant impact to Shetland with their dedication to both their roles.
“Their commitment and drive are exemplary, and I can say with some certainty that Shetland is a safer place to live thanks to them both and their trusted dogs.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on their service to date.”