The chief constable of Police Scotland has paid tribute to two Cleveland Police officers killed in an A66 collision last month, noting that their loss has "resonated across the UK policing family".

Jo Farrell offered her remarks on Wednesday during an annual memorial ceremony for officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Scotland, held at the Scottish Police Memorial in Tulliallan, Fife.

Relatives and friends of fallen personnel attended the event alongside Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray and Reverend Ann Purdie, who conducted the service prior to a minute’s silence honouring the dead.

In her address, Ms Farrell remembered the "devastating" deaths of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades, who died after a vehicle travelling the wrong way down a dual carriageway collided with their marked armed response car.

Addressing those gathered, Ms Farrell said: "Today, we come together for the Scottish Police Memorial Trust’s 22nd annual service of remembrance, an essential date in the policing calendar.

"Each year, we come together and reaffirm our commitment, as a policing family, to support our colleagues, friends and loved ones.

"To lift each other up and offer strength and comfort.

"Today, we send a message of support and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Cleveland Police constables Tom Clough and Matthew Blades whose devastating deaths on duty last month resonated across the UK policing family.

"In Scotland, sadly, the attempted murder of two colleagues in Larkhall in July is a sharp reminder that in times of crisis, police officers move towards danger to keep others safe.

"I want to recognise and pay tribute to officers across the UK who answer calls for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When officers respond to duty, families and loved ones provide crucial care, and support."

Floral wreaths were laid at the site by Ms Farrell and fellow attendees. The memorial bears the inscriptions of every officer documented to have died on duty in Scotland since modern policing began in 1812.

A total of 356 names are recorded on the monument, representing Police Scotland, the British Transport Police, the Ministry of Defence Police, and historical predecessor forces.

Six additional names were inscribed this year, honouring officers who died while serving between 1815 and 1966 across legacy constabularies in Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Dunbartonshire and Lanarkshire.

The Scottish Police Memorial Trust was established in 2003 by Christine Fulton, whose husband Pc Lewis Fulton was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994.

Speaking of the ceremony, she said: "This is always a special event to attend as we take time to reflect on our officers who have died.

"Following last week’s tragic event in Cleveland, we are all aware of the importance of remembering and paying tribute to our officers.

"This year’s service will be even more poignant than normal."

Mr Gray said: "Every day police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe. For some, tragically, that means paying the ultimate sacrifice.

"The Scottish Police Memorial Trust service provides an important opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication and selflessness of those who have died on duty, and to recognise the profound debt of gratitude we owe to them and their families.

"The commitment to public service and to protecting others who serve is an enduring example to us all."