Lothian police chief snubbed for Scots job

THE Lothians’ most senior police officer has failed to land a job in Scotland’s new national force.

Chief Constable David Strang of Lothian and Borders Police is absent from the 11-strong executive appointed to lead the Police Service of Scotland (PSS).

Mr Strang – whose £142,000-a-year contract ends on March 31 – is one of seven Scottish police chiefs not to be included in the PSS top team.

Police insiders revealed the decision had sparked anger and concern, with one source saying: “There are bruised egos but also real concern that so much experience will be lost.”

Uncertainty over Mr Strang’s future continued to mount today after Lothian and Borders Police said he had made no decision on what he would do next.

The news comes only weeks after his deputy, Steve Allen, was appointed to the same position in the national force.