A senior police officer honoured today for thwarting a car bomb attack at Glasgow Airport said the crime had left the force better equipped to combat terrorism.

Strathclyde Police recognised 39 of its officers at a ceremony in Glasgow held following the conviction of Iraqi doctor, Bilal Abdulla, 29, at Woolwich Crown Court last month.

The Operation Seagram awards ceremony at the City Chambers was attended by those who tackled the car bombers on June 30, 2007, and those who led the following investigation, one of the largest in Scotland's history.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan, who headed the probe, said the event had resulted in significant changes to Scottish policing.

He said: "We've changed our structure since the event to take account of the learning we got from it.

"You can't get that learning unless you are in the thick of the actual event itself.

"I think what we really did, came very quickly up to date with, was the need to have an absolutely cross-trained team.

"These investigations are no longer about single people carrying out terrorist atrocities.

"There are global aspects, finance aspects to it, IT and computer investigations.

"We've now got the capacity at Strathclyde Police that takes account of all that.

"What we have now is a team who are focusing on that way of working.

"The threat of terrorism has completely changed from the days of the problems in Ireland.

"It's a different shape and size."

On receiving his award, the Assistant Chief Constable said: "I'm absolutely humbled. It's lovely to be asked to come along today.

"You feel humbled because you're standing alongside the officers that actually dealt with those desperate people at the front door of the airport.

"It's a celebration."

Police had the task of evacuating about 4,500 holidaymakers from the airport when a blazing Jeep Cherokee crashed into the main terminal on its busiest day of the year.

Officers arrested Abdulla and the driver of the explosives-packed car, engineering student Kafeel Ahmed, amid dramatic scenes as shocked travellers looked on.

Ahmed later died from his burns in hospital, while Abdulla was jailed for at least 32 years for the murder bid and associated bomb plots in London's West End.

Former sergeant Torquil Campbell was on duty at the airport and tackled the terrorists with CS spray.

He was awarded a Very High Commendation from the force for "extreme courage" and protecting the lives of many.

Mr Campbell, who now works as a safety officer for airport operator BAA, said of the ceremony: "It comes as a great honour and shows the amount of work that went in on the day and after by police officers and everybody involved at Glasgow Airport.

"It just shows how well everybody did and that we came out on the winning side.

"I do have very vivid memories and obviously going through the court case brought it all back.

"The moment will never disappear for myself and any of the other officers."

The awards were presented by Strathclyde Chief Constable Stephen House, who said now was the time to recognise those who played a role in bringing Abdulla to justice.

He said: "Today is important because the organisation needs to pay tribute publicly to the bravery and expertise of the people who responded so magnificently on that day.

"I am honoured and privileged to be presenting these awards."

Councillor Paul Rooney, convener of Strathclyde Joint Police Board, said: "The professionalism shown by each of the officers and staff dealing with the events of 30 June 2007, was of the highest possible standard.

"They are a credit to this organisation and we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is right that they are now recognised for their contribution".