First Minister Alex Salmond today called on opposition MSPs to back his demand for £150 million in Lottery cash for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He reiterated his claim that is the amount Scottish good causes will miss out on as a result of Lottery funding going to the 2012 London Olympics.

A consultation exercise was launched last week into the potential legacy for Scotland from the Glasgow event, which it is estimated will cost the public purse some £298 million.
 

Mr Salmond said he was encouraged by a letter from Lottery bosses to a Scottish Parliament committee saying they would look at the positive effect the Games could have on the whole of Scotland.

"I hope that is an indication we will be pushing against at least a partially open door," he said during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood.

Mr Salmond told MSPs that last week`s consultation launch was not about seeking funding for building facilities or infrastructure for the Games.

"We were talking about the legacy effect across the country," he added.

"And not just in sport but in healthy living and education to make sure that legacy effect can have the maximum impact of Glasgow 2014.

"And I hope we can carry the support of the whole chamber in what will be a justified demand to secure that Lottery funding."