Kris Boyd scored twice at Hampden and DaMarcus Beasley also found the net as Rangers fended off a determined comeback from Queens in the second half.

Rangers were playing their 68th game of the season, less than 48 hours after seeing the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title go to Celtic, and 10 days after losing the UEFA Cup final.

"It's been an incredible journey this season," said McCoist.

"I would have been bitterly disappointed if we had not won the cup today.

"But we have won it and I'm thrilled for the players and the fans."

Former striker McCoist appreciated Boyd's lethal finishing, which made the difference between the teams.

"That's what he does best," McCoist told BBC1 Scotland.

"Put the ball in front of him in the box and he'll score goals."

Boyd scored his first from 25 yards, but his second was a poacher's goal, heading home from five yards to put Rangers 3-2 up.

McCoist hailed the effort by First Division side Queen of the South, who beat Aberdeen 4-3 in the semi-finals to reach their first Scottish Cup final.

"They've been a credit to the First Division and to (manager) Gordon Chisholm," said McCoist.

"They've had a great season and it was a remarkable achievement getting to the cup final.

"They did Dumfries proud today."

Boyd started the game and took advantage of the opportunity by firing Rangers ahead in the 33rd minute, and after Beasley doubled the lead they looked set to win convincingly.

But Queens came back into the match with goals from Steve Tosh and Jim Thomson.

Boyd grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute, and Boyd said: "I'm just glad we've got over the finishing line."

He told BBC1 Scotland: "I don't think there was much left in us to go to extra-time."

Boyd also netted twice as substitute in the CIS Insurance Cup final, and hit the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Dundee United.

He insisted today's victory topped that achievement.

"The Scottish Cup is the big cup in scotland and we're delighted to get that after the disappointment of Thursday night," Boyd said.

"We'll enjoy the moment and we'll be back fighting next year for the league."