Crime-fighters hailed for bravery

David Green and Blane McInarlin celebrate their honours

Scotland's have-a-go heroes have been honoured during an awards ceremony in Edinburgh Castle.

First Minister Jack McConnell paid tribute to 65 people, who were nominated by Scotland's police forces.

Mr McConnell praised citizens who had "shown the courage and conviction not to turn a blind eye to crime in Scotland's communities".

They included Ian Cooper, who was put forward for foiling a break-in at a jeweller's shop in Huntly.

Mr Cooper challenged two robbers as they escaped from the shop and noted their car registration as they drove off.

One of the men was later convicted and jailed for five months.

Detective Inspector Phil Roberts said: "It is unlikely that this positive outcome and the recovery of the stolen property would have been achieved without Mr Cooper's alertness."

Other nominees include:

• Scott Mayberry was nominated by Tayside Police for tackling a hammer-wielding robber after the man stole his colleague's handbag in Perth

• Douglas McFarlane, 73, was hailed for chasing and detaining a man who had just committed a robbery at a post office

• Blane McInarlin and his friends Scott Kennedy and David Green were praised for acting quickly when they saw a man punching a woman. The 14-year-olds phoned the police and later identified the attacker

• Leslie Keyte, 33, won a bravery award after he was stabbed while trying to stop a man assaulting a woman.

Mr McConnell praised the heroes. "They are ordinary people like you and me. They come from a range of different backgrounds. But their bravery sets them apart," he said.

"They each have their own heroic story to tell. Each and every one of them chose the difficult option."

Mr McConnell added: "They put others first in the face of danger, choosing not to cross the road or look away. We all owe them a huge thank you."