A former police chief who oversaw the creation of Scotland’s national force in the Highlands has been awarded a top accolade by the Queen.
Derek Penman, who was the assistant chief constable for local policing north, receives the Queen’s Police Medal.
The honour has been bestowed on him in recognition of his work to improve performance and community engagement at a time of unprecedented organisational change and resourcing constraints.
Mr Penman, a former Grampian Police assistant chief constable and chief constable of the Central Scotland force, was appointed Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Scotland in January.
He began his career as a cadet at the age of 18 and was appointed to Central Scotland Police in April 1984.
Mr Penman worked as a beat officer for four years before being transferred to CID duties where he remained as a detective until late 1989 when he undertook a law degree and graduated in 1993.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant and ran the inquiry teams following the Dunblane Shooting incident in 1996.
Betsy Walling, administrative officer at Forestry Commission Scotland who is responsible for the Highlands, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to forestry.