First chairman of police authority Vic Emery killed in crash

Tributes have been paid to the first chairman of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) who was killed in a crash at the weekend.

Vic Emery, 77, from Newcastle upon Tyne, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on the A74(M) near Ecclefechan at about 14:20 on Saturday.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said he had played a "significant role" in shaping policing in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she held Mr Emery in "very high regard".

He was also current chairman of Zero Waste Scotland and the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA).

A family statement described him as a "cherished husband, devoted father and grandfather and respected businessman".

It added they were "utterly devastated" and their "hearts shattered".

Mr Livingstone said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Vic Emery. My thoughts & those of everyone at Police Scotland are with his family and friends at this tragic time.

"He was highly respected for his public service where he played a significant role in shaping policing in Scotland as we know it today, both as chairman of the Scottish Police Services Authority and as first chair of the Scottish Police Authority."

The SPA said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death of its first chairman.

It said he had made a "significant and lasting contribution" to the early years of police reform in Scotland.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time," it added.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Twitter that she was "shocked and very sad" at his death.

"I first got to know Vic when he ran Govan shipyard and since then our paths have crossed regularly through his public sector roles," she said.

"I held him in very high regard and liked him a lot. My deepest condolences go to his loved ones."

Gill Imery from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICS) said: "Everyone at HMICS past and present also very sad to hear this news. Vic Emery's contribution to policing in Scotland will not be forgotten. Deepest sympathies to all of his loved ones."

Zero Waste Scotland added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Chairman, Vic Emery OBE.

"A great colleague and friend to Zero Waste Scotland, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the news.

"Vic was passionate about the CNC and our officers and staff; he has been an extremely supportive and knowledgeable chairman who has made a real difference to the CNC and the authority," he said.

"He brought a wealth of experience and energy to the role and will be much missed not just by the CNC and CNPA but by me personally."

In the private sector, Mr Emery was group managing director of BAE Systems warship building and sustainment business for more than 10 years.

He was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to warship building.

The road was closed for 10 hours following the crash.

Police Scotland said its inquiries were ongoing and anyone with information should come forward.