Mr Salmond said:

"Peter Howson joins the growing voice from all walks of Scottish life in favour of Scottish Independence, and I warmly welcome his support.

"There is a strong connection between the cultural reawakening of Scotland and our political progress, and that process is well underway again. There is a new sense of excitement at the opportunities for Scotland to move forward.

"The development and promotion of Scottish culture at home and abroad is an important part of the overall case for Independence - a process that is good for the people, and very good for an economy in this age of globalisation, as Ireland has demonstrated so well."

ENDS