Highland Cops the gripping documentary series that offers a window into the challenges faced by the dedicated officers of Police Scotland’s Highlands and Islands division, is set to return for not one, but two new thrilling series. This co-commission between BBC Scotland and BBC Factual, produced by Firecrest Films, has captured the hearts of audiences across the UK, especially in Scotland, and is poised to once again enthral viewers with its unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and gritty law enforcement.
David Harron commissioning executive for BBC Scotland, expressed his enthusiasm for the series’ return, stating, “Highland Cops proved to be a hugely popular series with audiences across the UK and particularly in Scotland, so we’re delighted to be investing in its return for a further two series. The cameras will once again capture the challenges faced on the country’s biggest police beat and follow a cast of officers who show us what it takes to police such a vast area. Highland Cops is a key title in our strategy to showcase and reflect Scotland to audiences both within Scotland and also across the UK.”
These upcoming series, each comprising six 60-minute episodes, will plunge viewers into the daily dramas of Police Scotland’s Highlands and Islands division, which stands as Britain’s most unique police force. Covering a staggering 12,000 square miles of diverse terrain, including lochs, glens, islands, and mountains, this division faces challenges like no other. From protecting endangered species to searching for individuals lost in the wilds, these officers go to extremes to ensure the safety of remote communities and Britain’s most northerly city.
The series will shed light on the remarkable diversity of incidents that these officers handle daily. Their duties span from addressing major national incidents to resolving local community matters and executing on-the-beat crime prevention strategies. The Highland Cops are deeply ingrained within small, far-flung communities while remaining fully integrated into the national force, Police Scotland, to address serious crimes requiring additional resources. Here, cutting-edge crime fighting coexists with traditional rural policing methods, safeguarding centuries-old ways of life.
What distinguishes a Highland Cop is not just the uniform they wear, but the communities they serve and protect. For them, policing isn’t merely a job; it’s a way of life. They not only work in these remote areas, but they live amongst the very people they serve, forging bonds and trust that are essential in their line of duty.
Tom Coveney Commissioning Editor, BBC Factual, commented, “With the most jaw-dropping scenery in the UK, and the most amazing range of crime-fighting, Highland Cops is a truly distinctive blue light documentary. I can’t wait to see the stories Firecrest uncover across the two new series.”
Highland Cops with its stunning visuals and riveting narratives, is set to continue its legacy as a compelling exploration of law enforcement in Scotland’s wild and beautiful landscapes.
