The German officially takes over on 1 March once his current contract as Kuwait coach expires.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge over the next four years," said Vogts.

"My immediate aim is qualification for the 2004 European Championships.

"Scotland means to me a return to the real melting pot of football.

"Everyone who knows me knows I love the kind of football that is full of emotion and passion as displayed by the Scots.

"It is truly a great honour to be selected for this job. There have been so many outstanding Scottish managers and I look forward to exchanging views with some of these people," added Vogts.

"This is a momentous day for Scottish football, the first time we have had a national coach who is not a Scot - but in that departure we are very happy we have this man," said SFA chief executive Jack McGinn.

Vogts' first look at the squad he has inherited will come at the end of March in a Paris friendly with world and European champions France.

He has yet to reveal who he wants as backroom staff but Vogts insisted that he will appoint a Scottish assistant manager to help him in his new role.

"There are a lot of good former players and managers. I will look when I come back to Scotland from Kuwait," said Vogts.

Vogts replaces Craig Brown, who resigned in October.