Mr McConnell was angry at the invasion of privacy

Rules on the conduct of MSPs state that they must register all gifts worth more than �250, even from close family.

Jack McConnell was therefore forced to include the painting of the Arran farmhouse where he grew up.

He had earlier called for an urgent reform of Holyrood's code, calling the rules an "invasion of privacy".

The value of the painting is said to be about �1,000.

But Mr McConnell was angry that he had to ask his wife the value of her present and then declare it.

'Unacceptable intrusion'

Mr McConnell launched an attack on the system of registering interests earlier this month.

At the time he was also being asked about whether he should have registered his holiday with broadcaster Kirsty Wark.

The first minister's stay at Ms Wark's Majorcan villa does not appear on the register.

He claims it does not qualify as he and his family were not charged for the holiday and it was merely a case of them spending time with long-standing family friends.

A source close to the first minister said that Mr McConnell and his wife had registered the painting so that they did not break the rules.

The source said: "Jack and Bridget think that this is an unacceptable intrusion into their private lives.

"However they recognise that they have no option as things currently stand.