Hero Scots cop who led hunt for Lockerbie bombers dies aged 90 as tributes paid

Tributes have poured in for a hero Scots police officer who led the hunt for the Lockerbie bombers and devoted himself to the community following the UK's worst-ever terrorist attack.

John Boyd CBE QPM has sadly died at the age of 90 after a long career with Police Scotland.

Mr Boyd served as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary from 1993 to 1996, and was the chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary on the night that flight 103 exploded over the town of Lockerbie.

Mr Boyd led the hunt for the Lockerbie bombers as well as overseeing the search for the bodies of the 270 people who were killed.

In 1989, he was made a CBE for his handling of the criminal investigation into what remains the worst terrorist attack in the UK.

He was also a former Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police. John joined HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in 1989 and became Chief Inspector of Constabulary four years later.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Craig Naylor, has paid tribute to his predecessor and said: “John Boyd, CBE QPM, exemplified the epitome of leadership, dedication, and service throughout his career.

“He devoted himself to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and community safety at a time of immense tragedy following the bombing of a flight over Lockerbie."

He continued: “His legacy serves as an inspiration, embodying the virtues of integrity, compassion, and courage.

“His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary hold his wife, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in our thoughts at this time.”

John's other lifelong passion was shinty after joining local associations in the early 50s and 60s and staying involved throughout his life.

The Camanachd Shinty Association led tributes for the officer and said: "The shinty community in Oban, Glasgow and much further afield, is saddened to hear of the passing of John M Boyd.

"John played shinty with distinction for Oban Camanachd and Glasgow Mid Argyll in the fifties and sixties and went on to have an outstanding career in the police force in Scotland.

"He will be remembered by those who knew him as being extremely modest, very approachable, hugely knowledgeable and genuinely interested in the welfare of others."

Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

John MacKenzie, Chieftain of the Association added: "John was a special gentleman who met you with a smile and a willingness to talk about anything, especially shinty."

John is survived by his wife Sheila and sons Peter and Alastair, and the thoughts of all their friends in Shinty are with them and the extended family.

Following a private cremation, a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate his life will be held at Houston & Killellan Kirk on Saturday, April 27.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.