AIRDRIE has a new police inspector. Jim Borland (45) has taken over from Inspector Ian Balmer, who retired recently. The new area inspector was previously based at Coatbridge as a shift inspector. And welcoming Mr Borland to his new post was Chief Inspector Jim Sweeney. He said: “I would like to thank Ian Balmer for his positive contribution to the policing of Airdrie over the last few years. He will be a hard act to follow, but I have every confidence that Jim will succeed in his new role.” Mr Borland said: “I am looking forward to this new post and everyone has been very welcoming.” Mr Borland joined the police in 1984 and was posted to Q Division, working from Hamilton and Blantyre police offices. Later he was promoted to sergeant at D Division, working for community policing in Kirkintilloch and the surrounding village areas. In 1997, he transferred to the Force Training Department to become an instructor and latterly had responsibility for officer safety training throughout the force. In 2003, he became divisional liaison officer for the National Youth Court pilot at Hamilton Sheriff Court, which was expanded to Airdrie Sheriff Court a year later. Mr Borland was then promoted to inspector and the post of deputy co-ordinator for the Youth Court pilot, and was seconded to the Scottish Executive. Married with three children, he stays in Larkhall and is interested in football and golf. | 
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