Speaking after confirmation of his appointment, Mr Mathieson said:

"It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as Chief Constable of Tayside Police.

"I am looking forward with great anticipation to leading the force in the years to come. My focus will be upon improving the performance of Tayside Police and, just as importantly, upon the quality of service that we provide to the public.

"With the high quality of staff that Tayside Police has and with the support of the Police Board and other partners, I know we can make a positive difference to our communities. I relish the challenge that my appointment provides."

Mr Mathieson (aged 48), a former pupil of Buckie High School, joined Grampian Police in 1976 as a cadet before joining as a regular Constable two years later.

He undertook attachments with the Police Support Unit, Force Drugs Squad and Divisional CID, before being promoted to Sergeant in 1986 under the accelerated promotion scheme.

As a Detective Sergeant he worked in Divisional CID in Aberdeen before joining the Scottish Crime Squad, where he was instrumental in the investigation of several organised drugs networks.

He returned to Grampian Police in 1991, where he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and then to Chief Inspector in 1995, when he took up the post of Force Drugs Co-ordinator within the Community Involvement Department.

In 1997, a further promotion to the rank of Superintendent saw Mr Mathieson appointed as Area Commander for operational policing in Aberdeen, a post that he carried until May 2000, when he joined Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) at the Home Office as Staff Officer.

Whilst there his portfolio included Criminal and Youth Justice and he led the inspection into the police use of firearms in Sussex Police and was involved in other thematic inspections including serious crime and rape.

On returning to Grampian Police in August 2001, Mr Mathieson was promoted to Chief Superintendent and became Head of the Operational Support Department.

In July 2003 he was appointed as an Assistant Chief Constable with Northumbria Police and during his time there he had overall responsibility for Management Services, including Human Resources, Diversity, Finance and IT, operational policing and crime.

He joined Tayside Police in February 2007, when he was appointed as Deputy Chief Constable.

During his time with Tayside Police so far, Mr Mathieson has been instrumental in implementing a widespread review of the force and introducing a comprehensive programme of change that is designed to ensure that Tayside Police is efficient, effective and continues to deliver high standards of service in the future.

He has an HNC in Police Studies from Aberdeen College of Commerce, a Certificate in Strategic Management Services from the Open University and a Diploma in Applied Criminology from Cambridge University.

Mr Mathieson is married with three children. In his spare time he enjoys most sports.

Welcoming his appointment, Councillor Ian Mackintosh, convener of Tayside Joint Police Board said:

"I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone on the board in expressing my satisfaction that Kevin Mathieson has been appointed as Chief Constable for Tayside Police.

"Since joining us at the start of last year, Kevin has clearly demonstrated his experience and expertise in setting the priorities for Tayside Police. He undoubtedly has the credentials to ensure that Tayside Police will continue to set the standards for other Forces to aspire to. I wish him every success in the years ahead."