THE detective who led the investigation into the Glasgow Airport terror attack is the new Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police.

Campbell Corrigan was confirmed as the force's top officer, following the departure of Steve House.

The 47-year-old was formally handed the position after Mr House was confirmed as the first chief constable of the single Scottish police force last week.

Mr Corrigan, who has spent almost 30 years with Strathclyde Police, said he was, "unbelievably proud," to have been appointed as the force's "last ever" Chief Constable.

He said: "I have always chosen to stay with Strathclyde Police - that has always been very important to me and that remains the same today."

Ayr-born Mr Corrigan has held several positions with the force.

As well as the Glasgow Airport terror attack investigation, he headed up the inquiry into the murder of Michael Lyons, 21, who was shot with two men at an MoT garage in Lambhill, Glasgow, in 2006.

Mr Corrigan's new role was confirmed by Strathclyde Police Authority's senior appointments committee, while his old post of deputy will be filled by Ruaraidh Nicolson, formerly Assistant Chief Constable Crime.

Mr Nicolson's position will be filled by Chief Superintendent Russell Dunn, newly promoted to Assistant Chief Constable.

With seven months tenure in the post, Mr Corrigan promised to focus "100% on community policing".

But he admitted that working towards a single Scottish police force, which will come into effect next April 1, would bring "challenges".

Speaking about the appointments, Councillor Philip Braat, convener of Strathclyde Police Authority, said: "I am very pleased to announce the temporary appointments.

"Each candidate has an exemplary record and I am confident they will continue to work to ensure Strathclyde Police performs to the highest standard as we move towards the establishment of a single police service."

Meanwhile, Mr House, has started visiting police stations around the country to discuss potential job losses.

Last week, he said the merger of the eight forces could lead to 3000 support staff losing their job.

Mr House visited offices in the Central Scotland force area last week and aims to meet as many staff as possible over the next few weeks.

He said: "The cuts are potential, and that is the thing to be focusing on.

"I understand it is really concerning for people that their jobs are under threat but I think what would be worse would be pretending that that's not the situation.

"At the moment we do not know exactly how many jobs need to go.

"I think the Government has been very clear in the undertaking that jobs will be lost voluntarily.

"I have met staff to talk about their concerns and their hopes for the new organisation and they were very positive."

Mr House, 54, was appointed head of Strathclyde Police in 2007. He will have a salary of £208,000 in his new post.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk