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Friends of Shirley

Messages of Support

 

Shirley and our family are grateful for the letters, telephone calls and e-mails of support as the civil hearing approaches. That this support has never faltered over the past 9 years is truly remarkable. It has continually served as a reminder that this is a fight worth fighting. – thank you!!

………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Iain

Since I last spoke to you I have gone through your web site getting
caught up in the reading of every item on this case.

How anybody, be they in the police service or government body, treat an
individual in the way that Shirley has been treated over the years, and is
still being treated is beyond belief.

Words escape me to say anything more about the case than what has not
already been said.

As the bard said,  "Facts are chiels that winna ding".      In the end of
the day the truth will out.

To you Iain I would say hang on in there in the knowledge that we are all
behind you supporting you all the way and to you Shirley, 'chin up'  you are
nearly there after such a long hard slog.      

 

You know, probably better  than I do, that you could not have a better man beside you than your father. I hope that my next correspondence is to congratulate you both on the  successful outcome of the court hearing

 

DH Scotland

………………….

Hello Iain,

 

With the upcoming court appearance I wish to assure you of my support and prayers during the weeks ahead.  The road travelled by Shirley and your family since 1998 has not been one of comfort and peace.  You have been denied the confidence in trustworthy stewardship by the Government and Police which should be a right of every citizen in the Commonwealth.  They have a lot to answer for and hopefully Shirley and your family will get answers to those questions that mean the most in order to resume your lives.  I wish you strength and success.  Kind regards. 

 

SE Expert Australia

………………….

 

Sir,

 

As a long retired …………..of the Queensland Police Force (Australia) I am thoroughly disgusted by the arrogant, stupid, unfeeling attitude of the responsible Scottish authorities.

 

Or should I say irresponsible Scottish authorities.

 

I understand that civil action for damages is coming up soon. If a settlement is reached, no doubt a condition will be confidentiality of the terms of settlement, so that the rubbish can continue to be swept under the carpet.

 

Shirley should be awarded substantial NET damages, plus punitive damages against the criminal neglect by the Scottish authorities, plus all legal costs to date, plus an unreserved apology and full acknowledgment of her innocence.

 

LH

Ex Police Officer, Australia

………………….

 

 

Dear Iain

 

Our prayers are with you both.  (We)……… are both former police officers and know the feeling of "brotherhood".  We stand together in this until it's finished.

 

………… and hopefully  we will meet one day.

 

As ever,

 

C and G ……….., USA

………………….

 

Dear Iain,

 

Good morning from one of the original 13 Colonies,

 

As the windows are opened and light finally shines into the abyss that is the Scottish Government offices, they will be forced by legal action to disclose fully for all to hear. 

 

The record of the impending proceedings will speak volumes to what damage can be brought by the few.  Let justice be the remedy.   

 

DH, USA

………………….

 

Dear Shirley and Iain,

 

Since I last emailed you, my amazement has grown even deeper.  I can't believe that this situation has been drawn out to this length.

 

However,  my belief in GOD ALMIGHTY brings me to the realization that HE has a greater plan and those in power now will be brought to their knees and justice will be served.

 

You can hold your head high and be very proud of your stance.  You are not alone in this fight.  When all is said and done, you will come out of top and those who have wronged you will be put in their place.

 

I would like to extend our home to both of you.  I am hoping that you will find the time to visit the United States in the near future.

 

Our prayers are with you always.

 

KB and DC

Latent Print Examiners USA

………………….

 

 

HI Iain

 

Gave a talk to ……………… last Monday and highlighted the main points of the case to date as part of my talk on ………… Everyone was very aware of the case and deeply sympathetic towards Shirley. I have asked them to keep an eye out for the Civil Case which begins shortly and those that have computers to link in and perhaps leave a message of support.

 

All the best to yourself and Shirley for what I know will be a difficult time ahead.

 

Cheers.

 

C T,  Retired Police Officer, Scotland.

………………….

Iain,

 

It just gets crazier and crazier, doesn't it my friend.

 

Hopefully it will soon be over and you can begin to restore your life to what it was before that awful day.  My hope is that you know exactly what that will look like, and that you are excited for that day soon to come.

 

You and Shirley are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

SK Expert USA

………………..

 

 

Iain

 

I will say a prayer for Shirley when I next attend at my church this week

 

KL Scotland

………………..

 

Hi Iain

Just read the latest update. It’s still absolutely incredible the unwillingness to face up to the facts, when all evidence speaks for itself. Even the lack of information from your FOI requests is astounding. What or perhaps who are they protecting? I agree that it is a frightening thought that perhaps the guilty person(s) is free through continued incompetence and arrogance.

Keep your spirits up & best wishes

 

AC Scotland
………………..

 
Iain

 

I shudder to even think of how many other accused persons have been convicted purely on fingerprint identification.

 

I do hope that a settlement can be arrived at to prevent any further trauma being suffered by Shirley

 

MS Scotland

………………..

To Mr. McKie,

 

I ………. attended some fingerprint training and as part of the course we watched the BBC video regarding your daughter’s case. WOW - what a nightmare! Please tell Shirley me heart goes out to her.  I think that this is a case anyone and everyone that works with fingerprint evidence should be familiar with. I would like to know if I can get a copy of the case on VHS or DVD. Please let me know. Thank you.

 

BS, USA

………………..

 

Hello Iain,

 

I was pointed to your daughter’s case and website by a serving officer……….

 

I joined the police ………… and believed that I would be joining an organisation with ethics and integrity.

 

I had heard about collusion between officers, but didn't believe it - after all, were we not about truth and justice?  How naive can you be, I now ask myself?

  

Please give my very best to your daughter - and yourself for the obvious love and support you give her.

 

All the very best to you and yours.

 

CK England

………………..

 

My attention has recently been drawn to your website…...I would like to pass on my simple message of support to Shirley and all those involved in trying to right this very sorry mess.

 

I am a serving officer from …………(Scotland) and at the beginning of Shirley's nightmare I could not believe their treatment of one of our officers. I am now a bit older and wiser and have seen and experienced how…………(the police) can behave and treat its members.

 

Sadly, I am no longer proud to be a police officer ..……………

 

……….I wish you all the best at the forthcoming hearing at the Court of Session. I will be watching for any news coverage. I hope that justice is done and that some day soon Shirley can rebuild her life.

 

With very best wishes.

 

PS Scotland

………………..

 

Dear Iain

 

I read the details of your daughter Shirley's case in today’s Herald and as a result then spent a few hours reading your excellent web site.

 

I wish you every success in your endeavours but hope it reaches a satisfactory conclusion soon in order that you can begin to enjoy what you obviously hoped would be a happy retirement from the 'job'.

 

I totally sympathise with what you and Shirley are going through as to a certain extent I am experiencing the same frustrations.

 

It will be our intention to make official complaints about our treatment ………….and reading your excellent site has given me a few new ideas

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and please pass my kind regards to Shirley

 

Yours

 

GY Scotland

………………..

 

Sir,

 

I have followed your daughter's case from the start and was therefore not in the least surprised by the article in today's Sunday Herald.

 

I write this message as someone who has suffered similar treatment. ………….. I was ultimately …completely vindicated……….

 

The struggle began in ………..(and resulted in) the loss of thousands of pounds, (and) a …………………(loss of health and relationships) 

 

………………………………..I also survived with the help, financial and otherwise, of a few close friends learning in the process what real friends are.

 

I did suffer mentally and entertained some dark thoughts at times but kept going for the sake of my (family)……….. ……… I returned to (work)……… …… with most people glad to see me again. I can now start to rebuild my career again and earn some money……….. although I will never recoup what I lost.

 

On this last point I would ask you to note that money is nothing compared to a lost or damaged ………..reputation and I would counsel you and your daughter to be very careful in the ongoing settlement negotiations. No amount of money is worth sacrificing the truth for and the wrongdoers and the cover-up merchants must be exposed. They must be put in the dock of public opinion and the criminal courts and be made to suffer the consequences of their illegal acts and omissions. Without this, there is no guarantee that the same thing will not happen to another wholly innocent human being such as your daughter!

 

I hope that the end of the road is near and that your daughter can at last be wholly vindicated and obtain just recompense for the hurt and anguish she has suffered. It sounds like she is surrounded by a loving family and has the assistance and belief of many many others and hopefully the whole tawdry saga and the nightmare that surrounds it will end soon.

 

I write ……………. to offer in a small way my support for your cause in the sure and certain knowledge that your daughter will one day be vindicated and that those responsible for her disgusting treatment will be dealt with.

 

Best Regards,

 

ML Scotland

………………..

 

 

For such a long time I have felt and believed that Shirley McKie has been the victim of a massive injustice. Like many others I'm sure, I just believed that everything would turn out right, as a matter of course and that such an unjust state of affairs would not be allowed to continue. After reading the Sunday Herald article yesterday I realised how thoughtless I had been in not even offering the support of my beliefs. Between the SCRO and the Executive in Holyrood a great wrong has not only been perpetrated against Shirley McKie, it is being perpetuated by the inaction of those with the power to deal justly with the matter. To effectively ruin a life in order to obtain a set of circumstances which could guarantee a favourable "result" ,is a corrupt and despicable way of treating anyone. I hope that the name of Shirley McKie will be completely cleared and that she will be compensated in full for the theft of her health, her life ,her good character and reputation and that those responsible for this catalogue of corruption are held to account. I wish you justice.     

 

TP Scotland

………………..

 

 

Dear Iain

 

2006 To your success

 

I hope this means you are just about there. Thinking of you and Shirley.  Wishing you both well 

 

Regards

GM Scotland.

………………..

Dear Mr McKie

I write this as a former Ayrshire resident living in ............ who has followed this case for a number of years. I am an ordinary member of the public with no connections to the case other than that my ......... lives in Kilmarnock close to the home of Marion Ross. The manner in which this entire case has been dealt with, is one which shames Strathclyde Police and the manner in which they have dealt with a family who have given them years of service. The anger I feel as a disassociated member of the public must be nothing to which the McKie family must feel. I have watched with interest as more and more statements come forward which back up Shirley and cast even more discredit upon Strathclyde Police and the fingerprint ‘experts’. I can’t say anything more than you have my total support. It’s crucial that justice is obtained for all those parties affected by this horrible crime and the blatant errors and cover-ups since.

 

I hope that the McKie family can stay strong. I have no idea how you have coped with all of this so far and hope that February 2006 marks the start of justice for Shirley. I will be watching with my fingers crossed and hope that all your prayers can be answered.

 

With my love and support,

 

 CG Scotland

 …………………………..

Hello Iain,

 

As we head into Christmas this revelation must come as some relief and vindication of the suspected relationship between the two bodies.  When the bath water is getting too hot then the first to leave are those with the most to lose.  The challenge that they both face is credibility.  Even though the draw bridge is still up on the SCRO castle of defiance and keeping the truth concealed within its walls there is still an exodus going on that they can’t stop.  Human nature requires us all to have a conscience since it’s the only way we can have an inner peace about who we are and what we are about.  These Scottish men and women are finding out the hard way that loyalty to each other is often too high a price to pay when compared with the general respect of the community.  Even criminals are loyal to each other and uphold their twisted code of behaviour but they will never be given general acceptance until they show a credible conscience.  Let’s hope that flowing from this event there will be a further little package of goodwill coming to Shirley and yourself so this festive season can be truly enjoyed. 

 

Regards,

 

MG Expert Australia

 …………………………..

Hi Shirley

 

I just found your web site today, listed in the Sunday Herald, I'm …….. from Stewarton....well maybe a long long time ago.... any way I ………………..  have been watching your experiences with interest and support.  You've been through a terrible time of it but there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel and although it may have been easier to bend the knee it’s always much better but often a lot harder to stand up and fight for the truth.

 

Best wishes

 

K  Scotland

 …………………………..

 

Dear Sir

 

If there is confusion as to the truth inferred by Alison Hannah( Nov 16) it has been caused by her and her profession who have re-educated us all to the fact that fingerprints introduced in evidence even by the words of experts are apparently no more than a matter of opinion.

 

Experts can and do make mistakes. In other walks of life genuine mistake is conceded and professional indemnity policies come good to those who have suffered loss and damage.

Unfortunately where governments and civil servants and their trade union representatives are concerned they have a vested interest in refusing to admit failure or culpability. Whatever may be the truth of what has gone on to protect vested interests since Shirley McKie was cleared of perjury, and Bill Wallace conceded that she had suffered a grievous wrong and apologised, Shirley McKie herself has always told the truth and for that has indeed suffered grievously on behalf of all of us.

 

At the very least the so called fingerprint experts in this case had a bad day at the office and a mistake was made. There is no need to prove malice in any other walk of life to achieve compensation only human failure. By their continued obfuscation politicians and civil servants are themselves giving rise to suspicion of malice. Perhaps if they just paid reasonable compensation to Miss McKie with good grace that would be a sensible first step to restoring their integrity and that of our tarnished justice system.

 

Has this case been a good example to our young people of what can happen to you when you tell the truth?

Yours etc.

 

TF Scotland

 …………………………..

Dear Iain,

 

Very glad to see your excellent letter in the Herald this morning.

 

I saw last week’s “contribution” from Kath Ryall and knew you wouldn’t take long to put the record straight.

 

Let me know if and when you think I can help in anything.

 

Best wishes to you and Shirley,

 

PG Scotland

 

 …………………………..

 

 Dear Mr McKie,

 

Another eleventh hour surprise by someone who has chosen her timing to coincide with recent events. 

 

It is interesting that her position is one who now disclaims being part of a group denouncing the SCRO but as an expert she is not saying her position in relation to the erroneous identification which we can now assume is aligned with SCRO. 

 

At any court her credibility will be severely damaged if the initial examination of her expertise is the ability to identify.  After that any denials about being part of the original group are really questionable.  She has made herself a perfect target for defense lawyers based on her lack of ability to decide. 

 

I wonder how she sleeps at night knowing the sort of stress her media release has generated.  In time her correction will come when the real truth has been judged. 

 

 

Kind regards. 

 

Expert, Australia

 

…………………………..

Dear Shirley

Having read your fathers reply to comments made by Ms Ryall's in the letter page of today's Glasgow Herald Newspaper, I was so outraged I felt I had to write to you to express my outrage at the disgraceful way you
have been treated by the Scottish Police and Judicial System. The very fact that you are still fighting to clear your good name and reputation on what is clearly flawed fingerprint evidence is unforgivable and calls into question the Scottish Judicial System.

Ms Ryall adds insult to injustice by stating your fight for justice calls the Criminal Justice System into question, the very fact it is called the Criminal
Justice System says it all. I would have more confidence in the Scottish Justice System if experts would admit their mistakes when they get it wrong.

I wish and your family my sincere best wishes in your fight for justice.

Truth is all

WM

  
…………………………..

Iain

 

Your letter in the Herald today was brilliant.   

 

Keep on fighting

 

LK

Police Ex-Inspector

 

…………………………..

 

Hello Iain,

 

Having read your immediate response has given me the opportunity to reflect prior to responding and I'm thankful I did.  In the end she (Ms Ryall Unison)  will become irrelevant because she hasn't kept pace with how this matter has unfolded.  I think it would be fair to say the issue of malice has already been tested.

 

The next phase deals with the issues of professional negligence combined with a mischievous reluctance to accept  the truth.  They may not form part of the criminal code but as moral standards based on proof to the balance of probabilities they should go a long way to convincing an arbitrator of who was in the right and who has been the true victim.

 

This no longer seems to be about the science of fingerprints but bureaucracy and politics done under the Scottish sun.  I wish you and Shirley well.  Kind regards.

 

BL Expert Australia

…………………………..

 

Dear Iain,

 

I was interested to see a letter in yesterday’s Herald from a Unison representative. It amazes me what is being said.

 

It is only within the past few weeks that it has been admitted that there was a misidentification of the print. It is only now that it is being suggested that this is an honest mistake.

 

There were four “experts” who allegedly made this mistake independently of one another before their conclusions were consolidated in to one report. A “mistake” (to put it neutrally) was made in the misidentification of the print that led to the appeal of Mr.Asbury being granted, after he was convicted of murder. This was a different print, alleged to be of the murder victim. If it is suggested that the same four “experts” made an honest mistake in that investigation too.

 

At no time have Unison, or the Executive disclosed that they have reports supporting the honest mistake theory. If Unison have such reports, they can of course make them public and allow the public to judge the matter for themselves.

 

AB Lawyer Scotland

 

…………………………..

 

Hi Iain,

It indeed beggars belief that Shirley has suffered dreadfully from justice DELAYED and Willie Rae's letter shows that, at least on his part, there was a genuine concern to settle the matter. Perhaps, though, he should have shouted louder!!

 

I have watched this case with interest since last year when the HF memorial was unveiled. I have mentioned the case in every talk since. Amazing how many ordinary folk know about it are at sympathetic.

  

All the best to you and Shirley. Surely justice will prevail soon! Cheers.

 

RD Scotland

 

…………………………..

 

Hi Iain

Very good article in the Herald with a very strong editorial comment.

How long did your FOI request for that letter run over the time limit?

Surely I don’t need to book a seat now?

If so, I take it Mr Rae is now a good witness.

Continued best wishes and good luck.

RA  Ex Police Officer Scotland

 

…………………………..

 

Dear Iain,

 

Looks like you're getting there, somebody's got to own up. I thought the article was very good. 

Best wishes, 

DLScotland 

…………………………..

 

Dear Shirley,

It is some time now since I last posted an e-mail to you but there is rarely a day goes by when I don't think about you and the scandalous injustice you have and are suffering. 

The report in today's edition of The Herald reveals the content of Chief Constable Rae's letter to the Scottish Executive in 2000 just serves to underline the total farce committed by the 'authorities' concerned.  Such an exposure of this nature only adds to the validity of your protestations and the total injustice still being endured by you. 

 

Why those responsible for your needless and unjustified suffering cannot find it within themselves to settle this matter in a proper manner together with a full and public admission of error is beyond my comprehension.

 

I think you will have had so many e-mails and letters of a similar nature as to mine but I hope it does not detract from my sincere feelings on your case.

 

Finally, I note that time has been set aside at the early part of 2006 for your case to be considered hopefully for the last time and I do hope it will provide the overdue justice that to date you have been denied.

 

I offer you my very best wishes once more and I pray that justice will not only be done, but be seen to be done!

 

Your conduct throughout this traumatic experience for you has my admiration.  Always remember you have many supporters.

 

Kind regards,

 

SV

 

…………………………..

 

Dear Iain,

 

Great story.    Can I do anything more now to help?  What has happened to the negotiations - are they any further forward - has the ministers involvement been acknowledged and what is she saying, if anything.

 

LS MSP Scotland

 

…………………………..

 

 

 From: S

To: friendsofshirley@btinternet.com

Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 9:39 PM

Subject: you have my support

 

As an attorney who handles criminal cases in America, I am thrilled that your case was made public but so sorry it has damaged your life, profession and reputation. Those in criminal justice know that when you show law enforcement where it is wrong, the information isn't exactly taken with appreciation.

 

All the world should look upon your case and be happy that it has helped increase our understanding that the art of fingerprint analysis is just that, an ART not a science. Errors ARE made. The fact that happened to one of law enforcement's own is necessary before serious analysis will be given, but I am sorry that you had to be the one involved.

Keep fighting the good fight! Demand apologies and hold your head up high.

Your name…,….. is known world wide……………. Innocent people who have been charged or incarcerated will …… see…………… one who made an impossible dream seem possible... maybe someone will listen to them too, just as they finally did to you.

 

I know, as all criminal defense attorneys know, that the bulk of inmates are not innocent of the crime charged, but we also know that some ARE innocent. For those, we need to stop crying and start screaming. The same society that clammers for harsher sentences and "death penalty for all" forgets that in addition to the hell the innocent person endures throughout the arrest, conviction and incarceration for a crime they did not commit, an often dangerous, GUILTY man/woman walks free among us - able to commit more crime and harm more people.

 

Even the "law & order" folks should want the truth about fingerprint errors to be addressed and minimized. Hell, right now I would settle for having the errors acknowledged! In America, this great country, the FBI has NO set minimum number of matches for a latent to known print- that is embarrassing. This great country should be ashamed. But I was happy to see that this country's experts have done some good- just not enough.

 

(This) ……… Criminal Defense Attorney in America" is grateful for your voice. Keep talking! I hope your experiences lead to an even better life than you had prior to this ordeal. Many of us are so grateful for the exposure you have brought to such a critical issue. KEEP IT UP!!! If I can ever assist you, please let me know.

 

S.  Attorney at Law. USA

 

…………………………..

 

Dear S,

 

Thank you for taking the time to write. Your support is extremely important to Shirley as we approach yet another court hearing in February of next year.

 

I think it is vital, as you acknowledge, that lawyers and judges are much more aware of the expert' evidence being given and do not take it as infallible.

 

Despite the major issues facing fingerprinting I still believe that in the correct hands it is a forensic science capable of continuing its role as an important crime prevention and detection tool. Like you however I believe that the issue of 'error rates' must be faced.

 

 The problem lays not in the 'science' but in the lack of international standards, differences in training and procedures and a need to create effective independent oversight of the profession.

 

I have been in contact with many 'experts' across the world who are well aware of the need to develop their profession and are working effectively to that end.

 

It was fingerprint experts who rescued Shirley from the hell of a period in prison and our family will forever be thankful for that. I believe that the most effective strategy is for the experts and the critics to start listening to each other and work together to improve the science' instead of seeking to score points of one another.

Best wishes to you and yours.

 

Sincerely,

 

Iain

 ………………….. 

Dear Iain,

I am disgusted by the cheap tactics being pursued by the Scottish Executive legal team.    They should address each head of loss on the merits, properly and directly.   

The Scottish ministers either are not bothered about what happens, or they do not have any influence over their own lawyers.   

GF Scotland  

………………….. 

Dear Iain

 

Thanks for the latest update which I read as always with interest poised to leap in with some help if I can. As I feel there is not much I can do at the moment I can perhaps help by supporting your sense of humour.

 

My wife received an e mail from a wag last week---

 

In the midst of present world trauma it was largely overlooked that Larry La Prise the man who wrote the hokey kokey died recently in his sleep at the age of 93.

The worst part for his family came when they tried to put him in his coffin. They put his left leg in first ----and then the trouble started.

 

Whatever you do keep your chin up it'll all come right in the end

 

Regards

 

LF Scotland

………………….. 

Hello Iain

 

I have just read the first few lines of your most recent update re the meeting with lawyers.  I am like you perhaps horrified and shocked but with a sense of deja vous.

 

How many ordinary police are backing Shirley I would imagine given free choice it would be 80%.  It is a national disgrace.  This case will be highly damaging to Scotland but will show everyone where they prefer to spend money.  Get the voters and NHS protestors to lobby their MSP on cost if nothing else. Do not spend our money on this court case at the cost of our beds or  maternity wards

 

Thoughts are with you both

 

LM Scotland

 ………………….. 

Hi Iain,

 

Well would you Adam & Eve it, just had a look at the site...

 

...it makes me wonder if kicking the bucket is the better option after all!

 

Seriously though, it still wouldn't surprise me if they cave in days before the hearing.....?

 

I hope your early sceptism has softened the blow.

 

My thoughts are with you all as always.

 

Regards,

 

PL

 ………………….. 

 

Dear Iain and Shirley,

 

Morning from America (almost 2 PM to you)

 

Thanks for the update.  Both you and Shirley should keep your spirits and head held high. 

 

HM  USA

I am a latent print examiner in …..USA and I am horrified and appalled by this ongoing cover-up. I was raised to admit my mistakes and tell the truth regardless of the outcome. It is time to stand up and take responsibility and face the consequences of your horrific behaviour. I can’t even imagine why a particular group of people would think that their lives and reputations are more important than those they are hurting – Shirley, the murdered woman and the entire latent print community which will ultimately affect other homicides and other latent examiners reputations . Your inability to take responsibility has had a ripple effect and I personally could not live with myself if I were perpetuating this charade. So I have this to say to the lying Scottish Authorities – The truth will set you free. Isn’t that better than this self induced prison you have placed yourself in? Stand up and take your punishment in this world before you have to face your maker in the next.

 

PL. USA

 

………………….. 

 

Dear Iain & Shirley

 

It is a relief that you are involved in these negotiations. 

 

Our thoughts are with you now as much as ever. I have every confidence that you will do this as you have done everything.  You will see justice for the Aberdeen fingerprint people with support from everyone except from the diminishing `others`  I know this negative aspect will continue by the others as you said it would be naive to suggest otherwise.  

 

I hope you are looking after your health and Shirley’s which is important now.   

 

My best wishes and continued support for Shirley and  everyone involved in the fight for justice.

 

LM

 

………………….. 

 

Dear Shirley,

 

To find your career ended in the way it was because of the failure of those we trust to get it right to own up to their shortcomings must continue to hurt you some.

 

You would not lie; you could not lie and as a result justice in this country will be improved. What a splendid police officer you must have been and would continue to have been. I am so sorry for not paying attention to it all when the detail first appeared in the press. 

 

You did not look for this battle but I hope that you do not feel that it has spoiled your life. Not many people are given the chance to something so substantially important and I hope that you and your family come out congratulating yourselves on a job well done.

 

Clearly your father and yourself are very special people. Your steadiness, stamina, your courage and moral superiority shine out to nation which I hope will in some way recognise your extraordinary contribution.

 

Yours Aye,

 

AB, Scotland.

 

………………….. 

 

Dear Shirley,

You have all my solidarity and good wishes.  It is terrible to think that your
wrongdoers are unwilling to see themselves as fallible humans rather than
infallible demigods.  Stay strong and keep your head up!

RK USA

………………….. 

Iain,

I wondered what had happened to you?! (at the CIS conference) I was looking forward to having you see the research I have done, and then I looked around and you were gone!  I thought: "oh well, I would be bored by a presentation on fingerprint statistics too if I was him!"  I looked for you and Mairi that night to buy you a round of whiskey (Scottish of course, though if I must have an Irish, Jameson is right on for me) and couldn't find you anywhere!

I had no idea that you had taken ill!!!  I am glad to hear you are OK.  I can only assume that this was probably related in some way to previous day's health "issue".

I am sorry that your vacation to Banff was cancelled, but as you said the Canadians are such gracious and wonderfully kind folk.  You were in good care.

Hope your health continues to improve and your next visit over across the pond is not so "exciting"!

Best regards to you, Shirley, and Mairi

LG. USA

………………….. 

 

Hello Iain and Mairi,

 

We were wondering how Iain was doing? We hope you got the chance to see the Rockies etc. Delightful to meet you both. Keep up the good work.

AG. Canada

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Dear Mairi and Iain,

 

We all talk about you regularly.  It’s quite amazing how people can become good friends in such a short time. I hope the flight home was comfortable and uneventful.  Please chat to Shirley about a holiday here.  We all hope Iain’s health has improved.

 

Rest assured, we will stay in touch.  If there is anything we can do to assist you in your quest, just ask.  I will keep you posted on the developments of the CIS Latent Friction Ridge Certification Committee.  Ian Currie advised me he is trying to arrange a meeting of the Committee in Ottawa in September.

 

Regards,

 

The T Clan. Canada

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 Good evening Iain,

   

We met at the Miami IAI Conference several years ago.  After the conference I mailed you a copy of "Character and Cops, Ethics in Policing."  I came across a newer edition of the text and have ordered several for an upcoming conference in California. I haven't read anything about Shirley's case in quite sometime, has there been any sort of resolution? 

 

Sincerely,

 

PH. USA

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Shirley (and Ian)

 

Well done......some positive progress at last.

Keep pushing as we are all behind you and justice will prevail.

 

Best wishes,

 

FA. Scotland

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Dear Iain and Shirley

I believe and very hope that this recent move on the part of the Executive is indeed a hopeful sign, and that it may not be too much longer until you can gain some sense of closure and of justice achieved after eight long years.

Please keep me in touch with developments.

With very best wishes

CD. MSP Scotland

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Iain,

 

I met you and your good lady at the Fingerprint Society gathering in Cardiff. Since then I have

avidly followed the progress of your trials and tribulations through the medium of the internet.

Shirley, yourself and family are often in my thoughts and I remain one of those many

anonymous experts out there who continue to wish you well, ultimately for a satisfactory and

peaceful outcome to Shirley's plight.

 

Like many I feel neutered by the system that will not allow all experts who are interested in

viewing the original material to make up their own minds but most, I am sure, are bound by

that Corporate shield that will not risk the possibility of 'embarrassment' to their individual

police forces. The words I have heard uttered are along the lines of "she was found innocent -

end of story". I know that for you, nothing could be further from the truth.

I am certain of the integrity and expertise (of the Grampian experts) and I am pleased to see

that you have written to commend all three. I hope that will indeed be the outcome and not

something of a more negative nature.

 

The difficulty of someone like myself …… is that I ….. personally know certain of those from

the 'it's it' camp and have no reason either to doubt their integrity.

Clearly the problem for some fingerprint experts is not one of integrity but that of ability and

that is an almost impossible quality to define, since persons on both sides of the divide have

often long and distinguished records.

 

Nevertheless, there are many out there who support you, even if only in thought and prayer.

Continue to fight the good fight and pass on my personal best wishes to Shirley for ultimate

good health and happiness.

 

P I, UK

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Dear Iain,

 

I have kept up with your case for the past 3 years.  I am a latent print examiner [3 yrs experience in that, 25 yrs experience as a sworn police officer].  I will pray for your deliverance from this hardship and tribulation

 

I do know that the Bible tells us that we go through trials in this life to produce perseverance, and perseverance to produce patience, and patience to instill in us hope: 

 

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Romans 5:3-5

 

 

"Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:3-4

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

Psalm 37:7-9

 

I hope these words have not been offensive to you. 

 

You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

 

CT. USA

 

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Iain

Thanks for your reply. I look forward to the results of the enquiry with a great deal of anticipation as I'm sure many in our professional community do also. Much nearer the time, it might be nice to have an insight on the judicial process of the enquiry and how it is likely to unfold. I certainly agree that more support for SCRO would be counterproductive to our profession, however, my personal opinion is that if there are indeed people out there who agree with the SCRO conclusions, we are more likely to hear from them at the actual enquiry. I can't imagine there would be many but one never knows.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to Calgary as I will instead be at the IAI conference in Dallas this year. However, I hope to catch up with you sometime. Good luck in Calgary and in raising awareness of Shirley's case here in Canada.

Regards

HS. Canada

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Iain,

 

 A little note to say how fantastic it was to read and hear so much in the news last week.  Things are obviously moving more quickly now, and I just hope that things will be resolved in a way that makes Shirley and yourself feel that justice has finally prevailed.  I am sure the most important thing to you both is confirmation from ‘the authorities’ that Shirley is completely innocent and has suffered terribly, and suitable compensation is therefore provided.  Money will never bring back Shirley’s carefree zest for life, nor will it ever match the pain and suffering you have both gone through, but it will hopefully give Shirley a secure future and give you peace of mind that your lovely daughter will have some tranquillity and independence in her life.  You will never be the same people as you were before this awful case, but you will both be stronger, and I am sure you have met so many wonderful people along the way who will remain your friends for life.

 

I know that all I wish for my own daughter is for her to be happy, healthy and treat others as she would wish to be treated herself.  You and Shirley have had all of these things taken away from you over the years.  Hopefully this is the start of a slow recovery process.

 

BS Scotland

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Sincerest congratulations to you Iain.

 

Your dedication and resolve over the years has been frankly astonishing. Where mountains had to be moved you moved them, and when ill health got in the way you set that aside too. I hope that finally the warmth of contentedness is filtering through the McKie family which I'm sure has eluded you all for many years.

 

Sincerest congratulations also to Pat Wertheim, Allan Bayle, and David Grieve, the three international experts who represented Shirley at the original trial. Official confirmation from the Grampian experts that they were correct in their opinion some eight years ago is a welcome revelation, but one wonders why this was necessary to persuade the Scottish Executive? 

 

Do three experts establish doubt, but six establish fact?

Is it the number of experts that matter, or from which establishment they represent?

 

Whatever the answers are, it's clear it would help unite the fingerprint fraternity  if other experts were to follow in the footsteps of "the Grampian 3". Not to would be understandable, such is the oppressive nature of certain establishments within the profession, but hopefully success in this case will push things forward in the right direction.

 

Finally of course my thoughts are with Shirley, whose treatment by the SCRO can be described as nothing short of barbaric. Eight years of such trauma, being a prisoner within ones own mind, has to be experienced to be understood.

 

I understand.

  

Kind regards,

 

NA. England

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Iain/Shirley

I would like to offer my very best wishes to you both in light of this wonderful and significant development in your continuous struggle for justice. It makes it