Mary d’Arcy Kincaid, Edinburgh’s first female police driver, made a triumphant return to her old beat, marking 70 years since she shattered gender barriers in the force.

In 1956, Mary applied to become a trained police driver after seeing an advert that had initially targeted male applicants. Undeterred, she seized the opportunity, and following discussions with the Chief Inspector, she was accepted onto the course.

Her groundbreaking journey continued as one of four women from Scotland chosen for a 12-month secondment in Cyprus in 1957. During this period, she played a crucial role in recruiting and training female Cypriot officers, worked in the control room, and assisted with searches at roadblocks, earning herself a promotion to Sergeant.

Returning to Edinburgh in 1958, Mary resumed work in the Southside before joining CID in 1960. A year later, she became part of the city’s Crime Team, one of only two women selected alongside four men.

Reflecting on her time in uniform, Mary shared her excitement about passing entrance exams and seizing the opportunity to become a police driver. “I loved driving and knew I could do it well,” she said, highlighting the significance of no longer depending on male colleagues for transportation.

Mary’s remarkable career extended beyond policing. After leaving the force, she served as a Magistrate in Westminster. Now residing in Gloucestershire with her husband of 53 years, Mary’s legacy continues to inspire.

St. Leonards Police Station hosted a warm welcome for Mary, with senior officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, attending. ACC Bond paid tribute to Mary’s pioneering role in transforming women’s representation in policing.

“Welcoming Mary and listening to her experiences and perspective was a real pleasure,” said ACC Bond. “Police Scotland is determined to build on the progress led by trailblazers like Mary, addressing sexism and discrimination to improve experiences for our officers, staff, and the people we serve.”