Sergeant Simon Hay of Police Scotland was awarded the Malcolm Eidmans Award at the National Pubwatch Annual Conference earlier this month. The award recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting Pubwatch.

The Orkney-based Sergeant received the top accolade in recognition of his work to improve communication between the Police and licensed premises in Kirkwall and Stromness through a new website and the provision of mobile phones.

The motion in the Scottish Parliament was lodged by Orkney Constituency MSP Liam McArthu, LibDem:

That the Parliament congratulates Sergeant Simon Hay of Police Scotland who has been awarded the top accolade at the National Pubwatch Annual Conference; understands that the Orkney-based Sergeant received the Malcolm Eidman Award in recognition of his work to improve communication between the Police and licensed premises in Kirkwall and Stromness through a new website and the provision of mobile phones; acknowledges that licensed premises in the Western Isles are now drawing inspiration from Sergeant Hay’s successful efforts to encourage safer drinking environments as part of the local Pubwatch scheme; recognises that the work of National Pubwatch, which supports more than 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK that promote safe practice amongst businesses in the evening economy; commends Sergeant Hay on this achievement, and thanks him and his colleagues at Kirkwall Police Station for their hard work in keeping the community safe all year round.

Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Finlay Carson, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Pam Gosal, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Emma Roddick, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber

The National Pubwatch Malcolm Eidmans award, sponsored by Poppleston Allen, recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting Pubwatch.

Simon, from Orkney, has worked with Police Scotland for the last 14 years.

In 2018, whilst working as the Preventions and Interventions Officer, Simon was asked to assist the existing Orkney Pubwatch centred in Kirkwall.

He sought assistance from National Pubwatch and used its documentation to help improve the governance and processes of the scheme. He attended meetings on a regular basis and encouraged people to join the scheme, explaining the benefits of membership.

He then successfully sought funding from the Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership for a new Pubwatch website. The website contained a secure messaging facility for members which provided amongst other things, a banning matrix and an anonymised voting process. Something crucial in a small place such as Orkney.

He also secured funding for mobile phones to be provided to Pubwatch members and the Police to improve operational communication.

He encouraged licensees in the town of Stromness, to become involved. And now venues in the Western Isles are utilising the blueprint of the Orkney website to start their own scheme.

Angela Crawford, the former Chair of Orkney Pubwatch said that Simon is passionate about the island and the local Pubwatch scheme. She describes him as a “forward thinker” and credits him with re-energising the scheme and taking it to the next level.

Inspector David Hall, who nominated Simon for this award, said:

“Simon’s work has not only ensured that licensees are able to play a full role in reducing anti-social behaviour but he has also created a strong working relationship with partners.

Simon said:

“I am absolutely delighted. This award is a brilliant thing – not just for myself but for the Orkney Pubwatch. It is good to get the recognition for all the hard work that has been put into this.”