Brian Whittle MSP has visited Police Scotland’s elite Mounted Unit at their headquarters outside Stewarton. The South Scotland MSP visited the day after the Unit had been deployed to Troon as part of the police response to disorder caused by thousands of teenagers descending on the seaside town.
The unit, which can deploy horses anywhere in Scotland, is home to around 20 horses all named after places in Scotland. During his visit Brian was introduced to several of the horses including Lockerbie, Cathcart, Lewis & the unit’s newest member, Glencoe.
The MSP was given a tour of the branch by the unit’s head, Inspector Leigh McManus, and took the opportunity to chat with a number of officers.
Following the visit Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was a pleasure to be able to visit the mounted unit. Police horses and riders are a hugely important tool for the modern police force. Whether it’s visiting schools to help build positive relationships with children or out managing crowds at big public events, there’s no denying that the sight of a police horse and rider has an effect that’s hard to match.”
“It takes a special kind of person to become a mounted police officer and the passion and dedication that the officers have for their job and their horses shone through during my visit.”
Comment from Inspector Leigh McManus (Police Scotland Mounted Unit)
“We welcome the interest shown in our Mounted Unit by MSP Brian Whittle and take every opportunity to showcase the positive work our officers and horses do within the community keeping people safe.”