A little boy who has dreams of becoming a police officer has capped off his tour around all of Scotland’s stations with a visit from the Chief Constable.
Hamish-James O’Neil developed a passion for becoming an officer and has visited more than 120 stations alongside proud mum Lucy, handing out cake at each location.
This month Hamish, from Morningside in Edinburgh, and his two-year-old brother Harris, were welcomed by Chief Constable Jo Farrell at the Police Scotland Headquarters in Tulliallan. The youngster was star-struck at meeting with Farrell, who took time out to make Hamish’s visit his most memorable to date.
Lucy, 32, said: “Hamish was super-excited when he finally got to meet her. Although he is only four years old, he knew he was a very lucky boy and he feels so important because she knew what Hamish had been doing so he felt recognised for that.
“He enjoyed getting a tour of the premises and watching officers training. The whole visit got him very excited, knowing one day that could be him because he really wants to be a police officer.”
We previously told how Hamish decided he wanted to help officers after police in England came under attack during riots across the UK earlier this year. The country was gripped by six days of chaos in towns and cities following the Southport stabbings in August, which resulted in three children being killed and eight injured during an attack on a dance class.
For several weeks Hamish and Lucy have been travelling from division to division on the tot’s days off from nursery. The reception from police has been “brilliant” as Lucy says cops are “delighted” that kids want to interact with them.
Hamish was awarded with his very own Police Scotland uniform on his latest visit at Police Training Centre Jackton on Wednesday. He capped the day off by meeting with probationers and getting a ride along in a police car.
Chief Constable Farrell said: “Policing can often inspire people to think about a career as an officer but Hamish is the inspiration on this occasion. His passion for keeping us safe while we do our job and setting his own challenge to visit all of our offices shows remarkable values at such a young age.
“Hamish was a delight to meet with and I would like to thank his mum, Lucy, for facilitating all he has done in keeping his passion for policing alive. I am sure he will make a fine officer one day.”
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