First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tried her hand at cricket when the Scottish Wildcats women's team visited Bute House - and nearly injured a photographer in the process.

Photographer Donald MacLeod asked Ms Sturgeon to pose for some action shots with bat in hand but she lost control of the ball and caught Mr MacLeod in the stomach as the Wildcats watched.

MacLeod, father of Scottish international batsman Calum, said: "I've photographed Nicola Sturgeon for years and she's always willing to help a picture idea along - a good working relationship with any politician is always a bonus for both, no matter which party - but I might have known better than present the First Minister with the opportunity to swing a bat at me.

The Herald:

"Her skill levels were reasonable for a first go but I didn't think they would include the ability to clatter me - she actually did warn everyone, including me, that the ball could go anywhere ... all in all it was a nice humorous moment and I hid my pain well."

The Wildcats recently took part in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in Thailand and they will play in the ECB County Championships and ICC European Series this summer.

Pictures and video courtesy of Donald MacLeod and Cricket Scotland