Officer risked own life saving stranded people from landslide during Storm Babet in Argyll and Bute

A police officer risked her own life ‘wading through mud’ to save stranded people from a landslide during Storm Babet in Argyll and Bute.

PC Sally Ann Nicole almost died while working through one of the “worst ever” landslips to affect the area.

PC Nicol began her shift by heading towards the unfolding incident on the A83 in October 2023 after the landslip caused a blockage on the road during heavy rain.

The officer waded through mud to stranded motorists for hours and stopped others travelling towards the danger.

She said the conditions became so bad she thought she was going to drown as the “hills moved”.

Once she made it through the mud, she warned her colleagues not to follow and implemented an evacuation plan to get several stranded people to safety.

Witnesses reported “a loud rumbling” as another avalanche of mud descended towards PC Nicol and the people she had rescued.

The coastguard arrived soon afterwards to remove people by helicopter to nearby Inverary Castle.

PC Nicol has since been nominated for the Individual bravery award at the Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards.

“Each time she heard that noise she wondered if this would be the one that washed them all away,” said PS Brian Simpson, who nominated her for the award.

“Without her calmness and professionalism, this incident could have turned out so much worse.”

She has been nominated alongside 29 Scottish officers, including constables, sergeants, detectives, and inspectors, who have been shortlisted for their lifesaving acts of bravery and commitment to their communities.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said the nominations demonstrate the “extraordinary” bravery and commitment shown by officers.

“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous, and none of us should ever take what they do for granted,” he said.

“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again.”

He added: “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.”

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “These awards are an important night in the policing calendar when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service.

“I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.”