Seven Scots who died in the line of duty among first to be honoured with Elizabeth Emblem

Seven Scots who died in the line of duty are set to be honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem, a new award that recognises police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who lost their lives while on duty. The emblem has been introduced as the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the Armed Forces who died in action or due to a terrorist attack.

Among the recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem are seven individuals in Scotland, including PC George Taylor, who was tragically killed while on patrol in 1976 by two escaped prisoners in Lanarkshire. The emblem will also be awarded posthumously to nursing officer Neil MacLellan, who lost his life alongside a patient during the same incident. Firefighter William Crocket, who perished in an explosion at the Cheapside Street Whisky Bond in Glasgow in 1960, will also be remembered through this honour.

William Cruickshank, the son of Firefighter William Crocket, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the significance of the award in honouring his late father’s sacrifice. The Elizabeth Emblem will also be presented to the families of firefighter Dudley Grant, police constable Edward Barnett, detective sergeant William Hunt, and police constable Lewis Fulton, who all died in the line of duty in previous years.

The design of the emblem features a rosemary wreath, symbolising remembrance, surrounding a Tudor Crown. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives to protect others. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray expressed his gratitude to the families of the honourees for their bravery and service, acknowledging the immense debt of gratitude owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In a poignant gesture, the King will present the first batch of Elizabeth Emblems later in the year, paying tribute to the selflessness and dedication of these fallen public servants. The introduction of this award serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and valor displayed by those who serve their communities, inspiring a sense of remembrance and gratitude for their sacrifices.