New police boss appointed for Highlands and Islands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A former Royal Marines officer has been appointed by Police Scotland as the new divisional commander for the Highlands and Islands.
Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett has served with the force in various operational roles in the north of Scotland.
His appointment, which he takes up on Monday, comes as Chief Superintendent George Macdonald, who has served with the Highlands and Islands for the past three years, returns to the North East Division to take command.
Since joining the force, Chief Supt Trickett has served as an area commander for Dundee and led on major events and operations including T in the Park and the Open Golf 2018, as well as emergency and resilience planning for the North Command area.
He has also led contingency planning for major nationwide events, was seconded to the Scottish Police Authority for a period of his career and most recently helped lead the national resilience coordination for Police Scotland’s response to Covid-19.
Chief Supt 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 in Aberdeen City and the rural communities of Aberdeenshire and Moray before he was promoted to divisional commander in 2017.
Campbell Thomson, current divisional commander for the North East, is due to retire on August 14 following a 30-year police career in the north of Scotland.
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 praised Chief Supt Thomson for his service and said his professionalism, leadership and ability commanded utmost respect across Scotland.
"I am also delighted to confirm the appointments of both Chief Supt Macdonald and Chief Supt Trickett to North East and Highland and Islands Divisions," he said.
"Both bring a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge to their respective areas, and share in Police Scotland’s collective focus of protecting the people of Scotland while inspiring our officers and staff.
"Maintaining public confidence in policing has never been so important, and as the force navigates its way through such a challenging time it is absolutely crucial that the right people are in place to ensure that local, community policing remains at the heart of what we do. I know both Divisional Commanders will serve our communities well."
