When Nora Irwin joined the police nearly 60 years ago, she rose to the challenge of being one of very few women in the force — becoming the first female in Scotland to be a full-time traffic patroller.
Despite loving her Dumbarton-based job, a strict rule forced her to give it all up after becoming engaged. It was one of many restrictions imposed on women and is in startling contrast to the wide ranging opportunities now available for women serving with Police Scotland.
Last week, 51 years later, she found herself back at Dumbarton Police Station celebrating a special event marking 100 years of women in the police. Serving and retired officers came together to share their memories and experiences about life in the force over the decades. – READ MORE
