A KELSO scientist is among the special constables helping Police Scotland react to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alistair Cameron, 42, is a trained microbiologist and the managing director of Scotmas Group.

But for more than 20 years he has devoted his spare time to volunteering with the police.

Mr Cameron said: “I joined the police as a 19-year-old looking to gain some life experience and some extra-curricular skills and I managed to get that in spades.”

During his 22 years with the police, Mr Cameron has been deployed across the UK on a range of jobs.

In 2011 he helped colleagues in England handle riots in Birmingham and near London.

Reflecting on that 10-day stint, Mr Cameron said the environment was “very different” to the Borders.

On his Birmingham experience, he said: “There were tensions as a result of someone unfortunately dying, so there was a strong racial element there.

“But, sometimes, with a bit of good Scottish Borders humour and a friendly demeanour, you can hope to defuse some of those tensions.”

Mr Cameron said he spends between 35-45 hours per month volunteering with the police, but the minimum requirement is two shifts per month.

One shift might see him responding to a 999 call, while another could involve executing a drugs search warrant, he said.

“As a special constable I’m trained in exactly the same way as a regular police officer,” Mr Cameron said, going on to note that he is grateful for the skills he has picked up.

“You get to see another side of life and that’s certainly helped me in my day career,” said Mr Cameron.

His decision-making abilities have been sharpened over the years, he said, citing an example of how he has developed.

But he has also benefitted from tips in crisis management and on “how to cope in a crisis”, he said.

Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable John Hawkins expressed his thanks to special constables working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “Their commitment to their roles during this unprecedented time is staggering and I cannot thank them enough for their dedication to the service.

“Our thanks also go to the employers who have allowed their employees to dedicate their time to supporting Police Scotland in our efforts to help save lives and protect the NHS.”