THE 2012 Olympics will help unite Britain, David Cameron declared yesterday, saying: "This is not a London Games, this is not an England Games, this is a United Kingdom Games."

With just hours to go before tonight's opening ceremony when Scottish Olympian Sir Chris Hoy will carry the Union flag and lead Team GB into the Olympic stadium, the PM talked up what staging the biggest sporting event on the planet could mean for the nation's identity.

"We'll show the whole world not just that we've come together as a United Kingdom but also we're extremely good at welcoming people from across the world," he said.

Meanwhile, Alex Salmond sent a good luck message to Scotland's 54 Olympians and 23 Paralympians who he dubbed "Scolympians".

Mr Cameron admitted the greatest concern he had was ensuring the Games were safe and secure for the thousands of visitors, athletes and staff.

"Our fingers are crossed for everything from the events to the weather to the transport infrastructure and everything else. But, from where I stand, we're set for a really remarkable few weeks for Britain."

He then sent a rally cry to the nation, saying: "Let's put our best foot forward, we're an amazing country with fantastic things to offer. This is a great moment for us; let's seize it."

The PM explained that when all the athletes had gone home there would be a genuine legacy.

Mr Cameron praised the military personnel being drafted in as security cover, saying: "This is the biggest security operation in our peacetime history, bar none, and we are leaving nothing to chance."

However, the PM insisted that above all, the most important aspect was the competing athletes. "It's about never giving up, pushing yourself to the limits, relentlessly pursuing glory and greatness; the best of human endeavour. And it's this spirit that is going to shine out from London. We want this to be the Games that lifts up a city, that lifts up our country and that lifts up our world, bringing people together."

The Scottish Government's online message to Scotland's Olympians features Mr Salmond, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Finance Secretary John Swinney, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Education Secretary Michael Russell.

Mr Salmond said: "The eyes of the world are on the Olympics and the whole of Scotland is united in supporting our Olympians and Paralympians, our Scolympians, to go for gold."