He’s one of Perthshire’s most prominent businessmen but John Bullough regularly swaps his suit for a stab-proof vest and his pen and pencil for a baton and CS spray.
The chairman and CEO of McEwens of Perth, Scotland’s largest independent department store, dedicates hundreds of hours a year as a volunteer special constable with Police Scotland.
Alongside running the business he is also founding chairman of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and the newly appointed chairman of the Perth City Development Board.
Despite those extensive responsibilities, Mr Bullough is regularly to be seen joining his police colleagues on the streets of Perth.
He is passionate about his work with the police and is leading a call to see more local people join the Special Constabulary across Scotland.
“In many forms of charity work it is often very difficult to be able to tangibly identify the impact and benefits of your time and energy, but being a ‘special’ is the most rewarding community work I have ever been involved in,” Mr Bullough said.
“Whatever my duties are high-visibility foot patrols, youth alcohol patrols, policing the A9 I know that when I go home I have done my tiny bit to make Perthshire a safer place to live.
“The feedback you get from the public is also very satisfying. This could be a reassured nod from an elderly couple walking down the street to a group of youths on the street corner that stop shouting and swearing when you come into view.
“Obviously you can also get involved with more serious incidents that may involve accidents, assaults and abuse but these present even greater opportunities to make your mark.
“I think that most people like the idea of doing some community work but it is incredible how few of us actually convert this aspiration into action.
“I know there are hundreds of men and women that would find being a volunteer police officer one of the most rewarding and exciting things that they have ever done.”
Mr Bullough said he “adored” Perth and, like anyone brought up in the city, “instinctively knows that it is special.
Nonetheless, he said that the streets of Perth, like city centres throughout the UK, faced “significant challenges in reducing anti-social behaviour”.
“If not addressed, the vulnerable people affected by alcohol and drug abuse can take over the heart of our Fair City and if we are to deliver any of our aspirations for a vibrant daytime and night-time economy, than we cannot allow this to happen,” he said.
“I am partial to a drink or three on a night out, so please do not misjudge my intentions, but there are those that think a good night out involves excessive drinking followed by fighting, vandalism and sometimes domestic abuse and we need to ensure that we make it clear that we will not abide this behaviour.
“What it requires is high-visibilty, confident policing, with compassion, tolerance and understanding, backed up with a very firm hand when necessary.
“What it absolutely needs is police on the ground, walking on the streets and engaging with the community. This is a top priority for Police Scotland and it’s where the ‘specials’ can really add terrific value.”