Police Scotland has named Jo Farrell as its next Chief Constable amid a high-profile investigation into SNP finances.
The national constabulary has been searching for a new boss after Iain Livingstone confirmed he will retire in August.
Farrell has spent the last four years as Chief Constable of Durham Police in the north-east of England.
Her appointment was made following a six-week recruitment process overseen by the Scottish Police Authority.
She becomes the first female chief of Police Scotland as it continues to grapple with one of the most complex investigations in the force's 10-year history.
Operation Branchform was set-up in 2021 to examine how the SNP spent more than £600,000 worth of donations intended for a second independence campaign.
Farrell is no stranger to political controversy having faced questions in 2020 over why Durham Police failed to interview Dominic Cummings after he was accused of breaking strict lockdown rules.
The then advisor to Boris Johnson faced a huge public backlash after it was revealed he had driven his family from London to County Durham during the height of the first national lockdown.
Durham Police also led the probe into whether UK Labour leader Keir Starmer broke coronavirus rules – known as “beergate”.
In a statement on her appointment, Farrell said: "This really is a day of mixed emotions.
"I am immensely proud to have served as Chief Constable of Durham and equally proud of everything the force has achieved over that time.
"Over the last six years, I have worked with some extraordinarily talented and committed people, dedicated to keeping County Durham and Darlington safe, and it has been a very difficult decision to leave.
"But as Chief Constable of Police Scotland I have been offered a unique opportunity to take on one of the most exciting and challenging jobs in UK policing."
Angela Constance, the Justice Secretary, said: "Jo is the first women to be appointed to this role.
"As the force marks its 10th anniversary year, she has shown she has the skills needed to lead the service into the next decade and meet the challenges ahead.
"Thanks to the dedication and work of the police, recorded crime rates overall are at record low levels and we have a service that is unique in the UK with an embedded human rights focus.
"Policing will continue to be an absolute priority for this government, as evidenced by the £1.45 billion we have allocated to support it in 2023-24. I look forward to working with the new Chief Constable as the service continues to build on its significant strengths."
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