First, I wanted to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Willie Innes following his death this week.

Many years ago, I met Willie whilst working as a sergeant in Prestonpans and I remember his passion for East Lothian and his dedication to public service, which continued throughout his career. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

Finally and after many years of planning, COP26 is upon us. This is a significant policing operation involving all officers from East Lothian, who will be deployed either on the event itself or providing our business as usual response.

A considerable part of the national planning for COP26 has been to ensure that local communities, such as ours in East Lothian, continue to receive the same high standard of policing service that they have come to expect. Policing, so often the service of first and last resort, will never step away from those who are in crisis.

There are pressures which exist across many other services, agencies and sectors, and when the health service, local authorities and other key partners come under significant strain, demand is diverted to policing.

However, we prioritise emergency 999 calls and these are answered within less than 10 seconds on average. Once we have taken a call or a contact, whether 999, 101 or through email, we then carry out a detailed assessment based on the person’s particular needs and vulnerabilities and the potential for threat, harm and risk. Where that person needs an immediate response, we want to dispatch informed help as quickly as possible.

While an event the size of COP26 places considerable demands on policing, we already have contingencies in place and are taking steps to boost those over the coming weeks.

While there is potential for further disruption as the country prepares for COP26, I can reassure the people of East Lothian that if they need an emergency response from us, they will get it.

I urge you all to plan ahead for any journeys and make use of our website if you are seeking information.

Alongside COP26, we also have Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night approaching, which always brings significant demands on my officers.

These nights are absolutely no excuse for anti-social behaviour or for anyone seeking to endanger or frighten anyone else deliberately. We will respond quickly to any reports of ongoing incidents and use all information and tools available to us to identify those involved in trouble.

Owing to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, there are far fewer organised events taking place this year, but be assured plans are in place to manage any problematic unauthorised events which may occur.

I encourage those who are parents to young people to speak clearly and seriously to them about the potential for personal injury when handling fireworks, as well as the devastating damage they can cause to property. In addition, anti-social behaviour and violence can have life-long consequences, including a criminal record, regardless of age.

Let’s all work together to enjoy these days and to ensure everyone is safe.