Returning Resident Visa - asked for BRP!?

I was recently stopped at Edinburgh airport after returning from a week in Italy. The immigration officer asked where the BRP was on my passport. I had to wait a long time while the lady conferred with her senior officer. She came back, stamped my passport and told me I had to contract the UK Immigration asap and arrange for a BRP. I had no idea what she was talking about! I cannot remember my 'Returning Resident' Visa letter telling me to get a BRP.

In 2000, I was granted an ILR Visa. In 2013, I returned to Australia for nearly four years. As I was outside of the UK for more than 2 years, I then applied for a 'Returning Resident' Visa in December 2016, which was granted. This was valid until June 2017 (which I'm assuming was the cut off date before I had to return to the UK). I returned to the UK in January 2017.

Should I have a BRP on my passport?

I think they were mistaken.

But a BRP via NTL application is necessary for new employers or new landlords.