Family honours first police chief

Relatives of Aberdeen's first-ever chief constable have loaned Grampian Police his OBE during a visit to find out more about his life.

William Anderson joined Aberdeen City Police in 1890 and led the force from 1903 to 1932.

He achieved several landmarks, such as the appointment of Aberdeen's first female police officer in 1928. He died in 1944 aged 82.

Relatives have come to Aberdeen from Kent for the Scottish Homecoming year.

His grandson, Peter Anderson, 71, who was born in Aberdeen, contacted Grampian Police in a bid to learn more about his ancestor.

"He made a major contribution to creating a modern police force for Aberdeen"

Mr Anderson said: "I was only a small child when he died, so I don't know much about his career.

"I decided to trace my grandfather's Scottish ancestry to find out more about him. With 2009 being the Scottish Homecoming year, I thought it would be a great idea to go up and see where he worked.

"He made a major contribution to creating a modern police force for Aberdeen. It's remarkable that he came from a farming background and rose to such a high position."

The first chief constable is also credited with introducing beat constables, and founded the Grampian Police Pipe Band in 1907, which is still going strong.

By the time he retired, he had been awarded the King's Police Medal, as well as the OBE.

His grandson is being shown museum artefacts and photographs dating back through the force's history.

'Amazing story'

These include items of uniform, medals and a ceremonial sword worn by senior officers at the time.

Mr Anderson has given the historic OBE on loan to Grampian Police so it can be put on display for members of staff and visitors to see.

He will also meet meet senior officers.

Force curator Fiona-Jane Brown said: "Mr Anderson contacted us some time ago and I have been really interested in researching his grandfather.

"Hopefully I'll be able to help Peter find out more about his family history and also allow him to see how his grandfather's achievements have allowed the force to develop into what it is today.

"This is an amazing story of a man rediscovering his highly-respected ancestor who revolutionised Aberdeen City Police, and being able to return to Aberdeen and handle the artefacts that belonged to his grandfather."

Grampian Police was formed in 1975 when the former forces of Aberdeen City Police and the Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary (SNECC) amalgamated.

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