Gifts sent by First Minister Alex Salmond to thank Sir Sean Connery for his support included a signed white paper on independence and a CD, it was revealed today.

Gifts sent by First Minister Alex Salmond to thank Sir Sean Connery for his support included a signed white paper on independence and a CD, it was revealed today.

The presents posted to the movie star and SNP backer at his home in the Bahamas included letters, the details of which were obtained under a freedom of information request.

The CD was an advance copy of Banff-born singer/songwriter Sandi Thom's album, who appeared on the recent Homecoming advertisement with the James Bond actor.

One letter from the First Minister read: "Dear Sir Sean, Sandi Thom has very kindly sent me an advance copy of her new album which will be released in the spring.

It continued: "I have greatly enjoyed listening to Sandi's album, so I am forwarding it to you in the hope that you will, too."

It was signed off: "Yours for Scotland, Alex."

Other gifts sent by Mr Salmond to the James Bond actor include a DVD of the presentations made for Glasgow's successful bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and scripts from Scottish playwright James Duthie.

A letter in January last year accompanied the autographed independence document, which sets out the SNP's plans for the future of Scotland.

A spokesman for the First Minister said the gifts were intended to thank the film star.

The spokesman added: "Sean Connery is one of the most prominent Scots in the world - the fact that he featured in the successful Commonwealth Games presentation in Sri Lanka was an enormous asset for Glasgow and Scotland, as indeed is his prominent role in the Homecoming campaign at present."

Homecoming is a year-long programme of events to attract expatriates and tourists to Scotland.