Scotland's First Minister, Donald Dewar, has been released from hospital 10 days after undergoing heart surgery.

Mr Dewar's was collected from Glasgow Royal Infirmary by his son Ian.

A spokesman said: "His condition is fine and he continues to make good progress."

He declined to say where Mr Dewar went to begin a period of recuperation that is expected to last up to two months.

Leaving hospital, the 62-year-old politician said: "I would like to thank all the staff at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, especially those in the heart unit, for the way they have treated me over recent weeks.

"Their care and skill has enabled me to go home on time. "

The spokesman also denied that Mr Dewar had left hospital earlier than expected.

'Fed up'

"We said 10 days ago that it would be about 10 days. It is an indication of the progress he was making," he added.

Mr Dewar, however, is known to have become fed up at his enforced inactivity in hospital.

He underwent a four-hour operation on 8 May to have a leaking aorta heart valve replaced by a mechanical device.

Deputy First Minister and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Jim Wallace, is in charge of the Scottish Executive in Mr Dewar's absence.

His performance in the debating chamber has been praised.