Mr Wilson (54) was appointed Chief Constable in 2001, having previously been Deputy Chief Constable of Grampian Police.

He began his career with Edinburgh City Police in 1973.

Mr Wilson recalled some remarkable changes and challenging policing experiences over the course of his career.

"You cannot forget the amazing learning you experienced as a naive 19-year-old, confronted with the best and worst of human behaviour," he said.

"Yet 35 years on, with a world of policing experience behind you, you look back at the astonishing changes in technology that have taken place, that have radically changed the expectations of, and delivery of policing."

ATROCITY

Notable achievements during his career include acting as incident manager in Lockerbie in 1988-89, following the terrorist atrocity in the Borders town.

He also served as president of ACPOS in 2005-06, leading the Scottish Police Co-ordination centre in Glenrothes during the July 2005 G8 Summit.

Mr Wilson said: "I have met an enormous variety of people during my service and played a small part in some significant events.

"These will remain wonderful memories which in due course I will take great pride in relating to my grandchildren.

"I will watch with interest as Fife Constabulary moves on to even more success in the future."