FOUR police officers have received Royal Humane Society Certificates of Commendation for saving the life of a woman in distress at a bridge over the River Tyne in East Linton on Hogmanay last year.

PCs Sean Dryden, Alan Meikle, Jordan Stewart and Steven Tait were all presented with the honour, which is given to those who have made a significant contribution to the saving or attempted saving of a life.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of concern for a person in East Linton, around 11.40pm on December 31, 2020.

“Officers attended and a woman was traced safe and well and conveyed to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for assessment.”

The officers have said they are “honoured” to have received the award for simply “doing their job”.

PC Tait said: “I am pleased to have been part of making a positive difference in this young lady’s life and it is nice to have been acknowledged.

“I am honoured to be recognised for this event; however, I was only doing my job.”

PC Dryden told the Courier: “I felt extremely privileged to have been even put forward for the award because, at the end of the day, we were just doing our job.

“I firmly believe that if you put any one of our thousands of colleagues in the same situation, they would all have done the same thing. I’m just glad that we were fortunate enough to have arrived in time to assist, before something terrible happened.

“I feel extremely honoured to have been recognised; however, I became a police officer to help people and I’m just glad that my colleagues and I were able to assist.”

PC Meikle added: “This was a distressing incident for everyone involved, especially the female.

“Over the last 18 months of several different lockdowns and restriction levels, people’s mental health has really suffered and we all need to take time to reflect on our lives, reach out to our friends and family for support when we need it, and offer support to those in need.”

Chief Inspector John McKenzie, divisional commander for the Lothians & Scottish Borders Police Division, said: “On a daily basis, the actions of officers across the Lothians and Scottish Borders are meritorious in nature through their commitment and professionalism regarding the protection of communities and supporting the most vulnerable.

“On attendance at this incident in East Lothian, the officers concerned acted in the greatest traditions of policing and displayed bravery, humanity and support to assist a member of the public in need.

“The police team across the Lothians and Scottish Borders are very proud of the officers who acted to protect life and are delighted they have been recognised by the Royal Humane Society.”