Scotland's first female chief constable was appointed yesterday.
Norma Graham, former deputy chief constable, was made Chief Constable of Fife Constabulary - making her the most senior female officer in the country.
Mrs Graham, who joined the police service in 1981 and served in a number of uniform and CID roles in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was the favourite to take the post.
Although a number of forces in England and Wales, including North Yorkshire, have already appointed female chief constables, Fife is the first to do so north of the border.
Mrs Graham replaces Peter Wilson, 54, who retired from the force last month.
Kenny MacAskill, the Justice Secretary, said: "I congratulate Norma Graham on her appointment. She has made, and I am sure will continue to make, an outstanding contribution to policing in Scotland, through her effectiveness in operational leadership; her championing of diversity in a service that is, even now, still predominantly white and male in composition; and her commitment as a driver of change and modernisation in the police service."
Mrs Graham said: "I am absolutely delighted. It is a real honour to be asked to lead an organisation that is so committed to providing a high-quality policing service to our communities.
"I look forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor Peter Wilson, and to working closely with the police, fire and safety committee and other community planning partners in delivering meaningful outcomes for the people of Fife."
