Lesley McKenna: Told to remove flag

Mr Swinney said: "This is an outrageous way for proud and patriotic Scots athletes to be treated by British Olympic bosses.

"It is bad enough that there is no Scottish national team at the Winter Olympics, but suppressing the Saltire simply adds insult to injury."

But the Scottish Tories' sports spokesman, Brian Monteith, accused Mr Swinney of "scraping the barrel" over what had been a "bit of fun".

He said British sportsmen and women should show unity.

"Members of the team are selected to represent all of the United Kingdom," said Mr Monteith.

The British Olympic Association is reported to be concerned that wearing the Saltire could be construed as a political statement.

'Proud to be Scottish'

Baxter, 28, has withdrawn from Thursday's giant slalom event because of an injury but plans to compete in Saturday's slalom.

"I've already had the cross dyed so it doesn't resemble a Scottish flag anymore," he said.

"It wasn't a political statement. I'm just proud to be Scottish."

BBC Sport Online correspondent at the games, Anna Thompson, said: "He was just having a laugh.

"He had his hair dyed before he came out to the games and he just wanted to have a bit of fun to show that he is proud to be Scottish but in no way was he trying to make a political statement."

Baxter comes from Aviemore and is nicknamed The Highlander.