THERE has been praise for the contribution of Police Scotland officers during the coronavirus crisis by former Scottish Secretary David Mundell.
The Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP, speaking by video link in a constitutional law discussion at Westminster, made special mention of chief constable Iain Livingstone.
Mr Mundell referred to Mr Livingstone's 'calm and measured approach' and emphasised his efforts to ensure continued policing by consent in responding to the pandemic.
He said: "From my experience, and from feedback I have received from constituents, I think that has been achieved. That is very important."
Mr Mundell described the effective way the police chief ensured social distancing was enforced thus reducing the number of Covid-19 deaths, ensuring a relationship of trust with the public whilst also maximising the welfare and safety of officers and their families.
The veteran parliamentarian, a member of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee, praised the chief for his 'reasoned approach' when there were recent demands for border patrols in the wake of differences in coronavirus guidance between Scotland and England.
Referring to calls by pro-independence activists for special checks on the border, Mr Mundell said: "Iain Livingstone was clear that that would be a wholly inappropriate use of police resources. That was very helpful for my constituents, many of whom cross the border regularly."