When did you first aspire to be a chief constable?
Every stage of my career has been about achieving and being the best. It's never been about having my eye on something else - people sense that in others.
Obviously I went through a rigorous process taking several months to get this job, but I honesty felt it was only in sight when the board actually appointed me.

What will you bring to the job?
What I always have and that's just to be me. I have 30 years' experience and am very clear that I will bring the best I can. This is hugely exciting and I am very proud, professionally and privately.We have a strong platform of success, but one area I want to build on is for communities to be more involved in solutions.

Why do you think a woman has been appointed now?
I think there are changes in society in general. Changes in policing are reflective of this.
Hopefully more women will see this as an attractive career as a result of my appointment - we always need people with a broad range of skills.

Would you rather there was not so much emphasis on you being a woman?
I think it is very difficult to separate the two - me becoming chief constable and that I am a woman.
I am well aware there wouldn't be such a level of interest surrounding my appointment if it wasn't for my sex. I certainly don't play down the significance of being a woman in this role, I just hope that in the future it will not be an issue if a chief constable happens to be female.

Have you ever encountered sexism in the force?
I've been involved in policing since I was 16, in a variety of jobs and at no time have I been affected by sexism. I never expected to be either.

What personal challenges have you had to overcome to get this job?
It wasn't so much a challenge, but I had to be very clear of my values and what I stood for.
If someone isn't able to demonstrate that, how can they expect others to understand?

What were your ambitions as a young officer and who were your role models?
At 16, I was simply hoping to get through my probation.
I went into policing because I was drawn to public service to make a difference.
I've always been a hands on person and that was an appeal, as well as the excitement.
It sounds very clichéd, but my family have had a huge influence on me.
My mum is very strong and kept me grounded over the years.
My father is always ambitious for me and has a deep understanding of social needs.
I have had lots of people I've been inspired by at work, regrettably, few have been women.

How do you want your legacy to be written?
All I want to do is make sure I can achieve the best and make a difference to Fife.