New chief for Strathclyde force

Sir John is to receive a knighthood

The chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway has been chosen to take over at the helm of Scotland's largest police force.

William Rae will replace Sir John Orr as the chief constable of Strathclyde Police in July.

Mr Rae was an assistant chief constable in Strathclyde in the mid-1990s before taking the top post in Dumfries and Galloway four years ago.

William Rae will take up the post in July

Speaking within minutes of his appointment, he said he hoped to build on the success achieved by his predecessor.

Sir John has spent five years in the hot seat at Strathclyde.

The father-of-three was awarded a knighthood in this year's New Year's Honours list.

Sir John, who hails from Kilmarnock, in Ayrshire, received the honour for services to the police.

During his career he headed the criminal investigation into the Lockerbie bombing and served as deputy chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.

Challenging job

He held that post at Scotland's smallest police force for five years before returning to Strathclyde to take up the top job.

Sir John said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome the appointment of Mr Rae as my successor.

"Mr Rae has the right blend of experience in policing and I am confident that he will be able to handle the very large and challenging job he is taking on.

"In my opinion Strathclyde Police is the best police force in Britain and Mr Rae is taking over at a time when morale is high, crime is at its lowest level and detections are at an all-time high.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure that there is a smooth transition."