Mark Beaumont finished his trip on Friday in Paris

The 25-year-old from Newburgh in Fife smashed the world record for biking around the globe on Friday.

Mr Beaumont, who is originally from Bridge of Cally in Perthshire, completed the journey of more than 18,000 miles in 195 days.

Mr Salmond said the achievement was a "remarkable feat of endurance and typifies the Scottish psyche".

'Personal sacrifice'

He added: "I can only imagine the preparation and commitment, not to mention personal sacrifice behind your accomplishment.

"I am sure your success must give you and those who have supported you a tremendous sense of achievement.

"It has certainly been an adventure, with its ups and downs including some frightening moments."

The cyclists had set off from Paris on his round the world trip on 5 August last year.

After travelling through 20 countries he crossed the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Friday at 1430 GMT.

That meant he beat the previous record of 276 days by almost three months.