Special constable with 42 years service in Caithness 'privileged and proud' to lay wreath at Thurso's Remembrance Sunday parade

As the sun shone brightly at Thurso's Remembrance Sunday event, a special constable was given the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of Police Scotland after 42 years of service in Caithness.

Thelma Mackenzie has been working in Wick and Thurso as a special constable since 1980 and said she felt "privileged and proud" to have laid the wreath at the parade in front of the town's war memorial.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Thelma was given the honour of laying the wreath in recognition of the commitment she has shown to supporting policing in the Caithness area in her role as special constable. She joined Northern Constabulary in May 1980 and has played an important part in keeping people safe and supporting local policing for the last 42 years."

Mrs Mackenzie, who originally hails from Armadale, said: "I've worked in Wick and Thurso but during Covid times myself and my colleague [Derek McNeil] covered areas across the NC500 from Tore, Ullapool, Scourie, Ullapool and right around."

She said that highlights of her police career include duties at the 2005 G8 Summit at Auchterarder in which she worked 12-hour shifts. "We were all so proud to be involved and to take part in this high security event.

"We also had a big exercise in Fort George 18 years ago and I worked in communications which was very enjoyable. We've covered happy times and sad times. Our duties are exactly the same as regular officers and every year we do an officer safety training.

"I feel very privileged and very proud to have laid the wreath on Sunday. It was a highlight to do that after all the years."

Mrs Mackenzie felt particularly honoured to be paying tribute to her father and grandfather who had served during World War Two. "It was foremost in my mind what they went through when I was standing there." Her grandfather served in the Royal Navy and her father saw action in the major conflict at Arnhem in 1944. "Dad always said he 'went with Monty across the Channel'."

She finished up by saying: "For anyone wanting to join the police force – it's a very good service and they're fantastic people to work with."

Simon Middlemas RBLS Thurso branch president read out Binyon's Lines at the parade and said afterwards: "We're here to keep the memory alive of the fallen soldiers and the reason why they committed their lives.

"It was a great turnout and went very well."

Along with his colleague Guy Mackay, vice president RBLS Thurso branch, Mr Middlemas said they remembered to sing "God Save the King" rather than "Queen". Lord Thurso, acting as Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, has also adjusted to the slight difference in the national anthem. "Anyone who is over 71 will have sung God Save the King and I suspect it will be 70 or 80 years before anybody sings God Save the Queen again."

He added: "It was an excellent parade and a fitting tribute to the fallen of so many conflicts. Particularly this year, many people remember the service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth."

Pentland Brass Band played the hymn at the event and its team cornet gave a rendition of the Last Post before the full band finished the service with the national anthem.

Many enjoyed the mild and sunny conditions at Remembrance Sunday and went on to St Peter's and St Andrew's Church for a special service conducted by Rev David Malcolm.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.