First Minister Salmond officially opens Scotland House amid iconic imagery

By Gary Anderson at the Main Press Centre in Glasgow

First Minister Alex Salmond officially opened Scotland House in Glasgow today and praised the iconic images of the country's athletes that adorn the venue.

The images, taken by renowned photographer Alistair Devine, feature a host of Team Scotland athletes posing in front of iconic landmarks across Scotland, while some are superimposed into settings such as London 2012 Olympic silver medal winner Michael Jamieson rising out of the waters of Loch Lomond.

Others feature the likes of judo athlete and Team Scotland Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony in Celtic Park, Euan Burton, standing at the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Delhi 2010 boxing silver medallist Josh Taylor standing on top of one of the famous canons at Edinburgh Castle and wheelchair racer Meggan Dawson-Farrell at the Falkirk Wheel.

Olympic silver medal winner Michael Jamieson will be one of the main Scottish hopes for a gold medal at Glasgow 2014 ©Go Scotland

"These amazing images, using Scotland's magnificent athletes and iconic landmarks and scenery, are a work of art," said Salmond.

"The sharp eye of Alistair Devine has truly captured the sporting icons that Team Scotland have as well as the essence of Scotland.

"We have a record 310 athletes representing Scotland and have assembled one of the best teams we have ever seen.

"These images adorn Scotland House which is acting as the hub for Team Scotland success, and I can think of no better way to inspire our athletes and supporters.

"These athletes are proudly representing Scotland and I'm confident they will receive enormous support from everyone.

"There is a fantastic buzz in Glasgow and across Scotland as the Games draw nearer and I cannot wait to hear the reception Team Scotland receives when they march out in the Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park on Wednesday."