The first minister with rugby captain Bryan Redpath

The 25 metre by 20 metre Scottish national flag has already been signed by Sir Sean Connery and thousands of rugby fans who hope it will bring the team luck in the World Cup in Australia in October.

Jack McConnell added his signature to the saltire after it was brought to his official residence, Bute House, by the Scottish rugby team's captain Bryan Redpath.

The first minister said: "The Saltire represents the pride and passion that Scotland and Scotland's fans will bring to the Rugby World Cup.

Talent and ambition

"I am sure that once again they will perform heroically and do a fantastic job of promoting our country on the world stage.

"Competition this year will be fiercer than ever.

"But this Scotland team has the talent and ambition to do well.

"I hope they will be inspired to drive themselves forward and over the line by the support of so many Scots at home and from around the world."

The first minister wished the team good luck

The saltire will be officially unveiled before Scotland's match against Ireland at Murrayfield on 6 September.

Fans can send in their own messages to Scottish rugby chiefs to be printed on the flag.

It will take an estimated 10 days to print all the messages.

Contributions have already been received from as far afield as the US, Canada, Cambodia, Venezuela, Vietnam, the Bahamas, Sri Lanka, China, Cuba and Botswana.

Anyone can add their name and message to the flag via the Scottish Rugby website, sending a text message to 83200, by e-mail or by writing to Scottish Rugby's marketing department.