A NEW local police commander for East Lothian has been appointed.

Haddington-based Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell has confirmed he is leaving the post to take on a national project role within Police Scotland’s corporate services division.

He said: “I have been here since March 2019 and have loved every minute of my time serving the communities of East Lothian.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate and committed people who really go that extra mile to make the county the best place to live, work and visit.”

“I am looking forward to my new role, which will see me work on projects modernising the way the public can contact and engage with the police, using a variety of different platforms and utilising new technologies.”

Ch Insp Jocelyn O’Connor will move into the local commander role in East Lothian at the start of next month.

Meanwhile, Police Scotland has announced that Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton has been appointed as the new divisional commander for Lothians and Scottish Borders Division following the retirement of Chief Superintendent John McKenzie.

Ch Supt Paton said: “I am delighted to be appointed and am looking forward to playing my part in keeping staff and those working and living in this area safe and feeling listened to, valued and supported.

“My thanks go to my predecessor and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

“Having worked in the neighbouring division of Forth Valley for much of the early part of my career, I recognise that when covering a vast geographical and diverse area, there are many differing needs. My commitment will be to continue to work with partners in addressing the issues that matter most to those in each community and to delivering the very best policing service.”