Senior cops show off dance moves to raise money for brain charity

Two of Scotland’s most senior police officers showed they were on the beat when they took part in a dance routine to raise cash for a brain tumour charity.

Police Scotland deputy chief constable Malcolm Graham and assistant chief constable Mark Williams were part of a 16-strong troupe known as the Dancing Dudes.

The group, which also included a retired minister, a psychiatrist, a GP and a youth worker, came together to perform to Yes Sir, I Can Boogie – the 1970s disco anthem by Baccara which was recently popularised by the Scotland men’s football team.

Their efforts were part of a show by the North Berwick dance school, Freedom and Form, which helped raise cash for the charity Brain Power, set up by BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell following his diagnosis with brain cancer last year.

Brain Power is looking to establish a new UK research centre of excellence in Scotland, with the Dancing Dudes having helped raise almost £4,000 so far for the good cause.

Afterwards Mr Graham, who is due to retire from Police Scotland on Monday, insisted he was not considering a new career as a dancer, but added he had had “lots of fun” taking part in the routine.

Mr Williams, currently on secondment to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, described dancing on stage as being a “bit out of his comfort zone”.

Mr Campbell’s daughter, Katie, 17, has been dancing at Freedom and Form for more than 12 years, so when dance school director Jenna Walker heard about the campaign she was determined to help.

Ms Walker praised the efforts of the new dance troupe, saying she was “blown away” with the amount of practice they put in prior to the show.

She said: “We had four rehearsal sessions in the studio and the Dudes also did some training as a team without me too. I was blown away by how much practice they did in their own time alongside this.

“For lots of the guys, their kitchens became dance floors for at-home practice, and I even got videos of run-throughs happening on family days out.

“One of our dancers was taking notes and sharing with the group from a hospital bed after surgery.”

She added: “The reception the Dudes got at the show was – rightly – so amazing, and they’re definitely a word-of-mouth hit.

“All I can say is plans are afoot which could see a reunion for the Dancing Dudes and, hopefully, the chance to raise even more money for Brain Power.”

Mr Campbell took to social media to hail the fundraising dancers, saying on Instagram: “Dad Dancing? No way! These guys can move.

“They are the Dancing Dudes, and they are also fundraising legends.”