Saltire flag takes pride of place

Under the plan the flag will fly on government buildings

The Saltire will hang in every major government building as part of a drive to boost the profile of Scotland's national flag, it has emerged.

The move comes after the First Minister launched a campaign to change the way the country is seen abroad.

Jack McConnell said he wanted Scotland to have "a powerful visual identity" and increase use of the Saltire.

The Scottish Executive has denied the move was an attempt to reclaim the flag from the SNP.

'Proud Scots'

Mr McConnell's views on the image of Scotland were made last week and coincided with the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Scottish Parliament.

An executive spokeswoman said: "The Saltire is our national symbol. Scots are very proud of it.

"It transcends political controversies and from now on there will be a Saltire at the entrance to every major building of the devolved Scottish government."

New research revealed that Scotland had a global image problem with people surveyed saying the nation was a charming place to visit, but not a natural place in which to do business.