William Rae said his colleagues helped him receive the award

William Rae, of Strathclyde Police, was awarded a knighthood by the Queen in recognition of his achievements.

Mr Rae said he felt privileged to receive his knighthood and praised his colleagues for the valuable policing work they carry out.

The officer, from Glasgow, is married to Sheila and has two adult sons, Alan and David.

He joined the now defunct Dunbartonshire County Constabulary as a police cadet in 1966 and was promoted to constable within two years.

Mr Rae rose through the ranks within Strathclyde Police in the 1970s and 80s before his appointment as Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary in 1996.

Following a successful five years in the post he returned to Strathclyde Police in his current position as chief constable.

I readily acknowledge that the achievements being recognised by my inclusion in the Birthday Honours List have only been possible because of the support provided by my fellow chief officers William Rae Strathclyde chief constable

Commenting on his award, he said: "I realise how privileged I am to receive the knighthood.

"I readily acknowledge that the achievements being recognised by my inclusion in the Birthday Honours List have only been possible because of the support provided by my fellow chief officers and the professionalism and courage of the men and women who work in the Scottish Police Service."

Mr Rae, who already holds the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished police service, is also the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpos) in Scotland.

The officer has overseen a number of high-profile crime investigations throughout the years, including the abduction and murder of Glasgow teenager Kriss Donald last year.

He has also led crackdowns on domestic abuse and alcohol-related violence and crime.

Colin McKerracher, Chief Constable of Grampian Police and Robert Ovens, Deputy Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway, received the Queen's Police Medal for their services to policing in Scotland.