Honour for Arlene detective

Arlene Fraser's body has never been found

The detective who led the investigation into the murder of missing mother-of-two Arlene Fraser has been recognised in the Birthday Honours List.

Detective Superintendent Jim Stephen, of Grampian Police, was awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

The force's Chief Constable Andrew Brown was also honoured, becoming a CBE for services to the police.

DS Stephen was senior investigating officer in the case of Elgin woman Arlene Fraser, who was last seen alive in April 1998.

Her disappearance sparked Scotland's biggest missing person inquiry, but the body of the mother-of-two has never been found.

Jailed for life

Earlier this year her husband Nat was found guilty of her murder following a lengthy trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He was jailed for life, with a recommendation that he should serve at least 25 years.

In October 1998, DS Stephen was tasked with re-examining the circumstances of the disappearance.

Over the months that followed, he and his team explored various avenues and made individually small but cumulatively significant breakthroughs.

The nature of my job has required considerable understanding on the part of my wife, two teenage sons and teenage daughter

Detective Superintendent Jim Stephen

A testimonial to DS Stephen read: "His performance in leading this case over four years has been outstanding.

"His sustained commitment, pioneering approach and his ability to mentor, encourage and support those around him have shown through during this time."

DS Stephen said he felt "highly honoured" to receive the recognition.

"The nature of my job has required considerable understanding on the part of my wife, two teenage sons and teenage daughter - and much expertise and hard work by those on the various inquiry teams I have led.

"They all deserve to share in this honour," he said.

DS Stephen joined Grampian Police in September 1975 and progressed through the ranks to become detective superintendent in September 1998.

Police career

Mr Brown was appointed as the force's chief constable in June 1998.

Reacting to his honour, he said: "The considerable progress of recent years owes a great deal to the diligence, commitment and flexibility of Grampian Police staff.

"I have no doubt that their efforts - along with the support of my family - have contributed significantly to my being honoured in this way."

Born in Kelso, he began his police career in 1964 with the former Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk Constabulary.

He moved to Grampian from Lothian and Borders, where he was assistant chief constable in charge of force's crime strategy.

The considerable progress of recent years owes a great deal to the diligence, commitment and flexibility of Grampian Police staff

Chief Constable Andrew Brown

Tayside Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Gordon and Robert Barrowman, detective chief inspector at Strathclyde Police, were also given the Police Medal.

Mr Gordon has held the post since March 2001.

He began his career at Northumbria Police in December 1968.

While working for the force he led a fact-finding team to Sierra Leone to assess and come up with a plan to rebuild its police service after the rebel wars which ravaged the country.

Mr Barrowman has carried out a range of duties since joining the then City of Glasgow Police in September 1963.

Meanwhile, Fife Firemaster Michael Bitcon has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal.

He has served in a wide range of roles and responsibilities since he started his career with Lancashire County Fire Brigade in 1968.