Top cop returns to take over North East division

THERE’S a change to the command of our police division with Chief Superintendent George Macdonald returning to the North East after serving the Highlands & Islands for the past three years.

Chief Superintendent Macdonald began his career with Grampian Police in 1991 and has undertaken a variety of roles, including operational policing at all ranks, CID, intelligence and extensive partnership working with public, private and voluntary sectors.

He has previously worked both within Aberdeen City and the rural communities of Aberdeenshire and Moray before he was promoted to Divisional Commander in 2017.

Current North East Divisional Commander Campbell Thomson is due to retire on August 14 following a 30-year police career in the North of Scotland. Chief Superintendent Thomson joined Grampian Police in 1990, undertaking a variety of roles including Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of CID for the legacy former Grampian force.

The formation of Police Scotland in 2013 saw him appointed as lead for the national Major Investigation teams responsible for the investigation of all homicides throughout Scotland and in January 2014, he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing North. He returned as Divisional Commander for the North East in 2015.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Chief Superintendent Thomson for his service to both Grampian Police and Police Scotland over the past three decades.

“His professionalism, leadership and ability commands utmost respect across Scotland, while his dedication to the North East has been outstanding. On behalf of the entire force, I wish him a long and very happy retirement.

“I am also delighted to confirm the appointment of both Chief Superintendent Macdonald. He brings a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge shares in Police Scotland’s collective focus of protecting the people of Scotland while inspiring our officers and staff.

• Police