Salmond backs Scots Olympic team

Alex Salmond supports the idea of a Scottish Olympic team

Alex Salmond has given his backing to a separate Scottish Olympics team.

The newly installed first minister said he intended to draft a formal application to the International Olympic Committee (OIC).

The SNP first minister said the move would be a "good idea" although conceded he had not discussed it with the Scottish government.

Mr Salmond said he now intends to meet with Scotland's sporting bodies within 100 days to discuss the issue.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Mr Salmond said the new Scottish cabinet would initially focus on issues like health and education and the Scottish economy.

However, he told the paper he would convene a meeting of the country's main sporting bodies within 100 days to draft a formal application to the IOC.

Asked about the report on the BBC's Sunday AM programme, Mr Salmond said: "Well we haven't discussed it yet as a cabinet and a government.

"We will be talking about health, education, and the Scottish economy will be one of our first announcements - but it's certainly a good idea."