Highland Railway Police

The Highland Railway Company did not have a police force of its own, but paid for the services of one of the Burgh police to be the station constable. Most other railways of the time did have their own police force, but by contracting with the Burgh Police the Highland ensured that they would always have a police presence. If the officer was off sick for any period, then it would have been the Burgh Police's responsibility to provide a stand-in, rather than being a headache for the Railway Company.

In August 1886 Archibald Grant (Inverness Burgh Police) was posted to Inverness railway station to do duty there. Archibald's duties primarily involved keeping the peace within the station, but he would also deal with anything requiring police attention within the expansive railway premises. His knowledge of first aid was also made full use of. Although most railway personnel of the time were well trained in first aid, PC Grant's imposing presence and ability to deal with any situation meant he was the one people looked to in the event of any accident on the railway.

When not patrolling the station concourse, the railway constable would ring the station bell to announce the arrival or departure of trains, and local police folklore talks of the railway bobby having to go up to the old post office near the Market Brae steps to sort mail when not otherwise gainfully employed.