An expert group will examine the development of sport in an independent Scotland, including how to ensure success at future Olympic Games.

The Working Group on Scottish Sport, chaired by former Labour first minister Henry McLeish, will report its findings by next spring, several months before the referendum in September.

Sport Minister Shona Robison has said Scotland will have its own team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, if it becomes independent.

The group will consider and take evidence on a range of topics including the action required to ensure Scotland can be successful in future Olympics and Paralympics, and the development required to ensure it remains a country of "sporting excellence" with opportunity at all levels.

It will also look at the potential for sharing resources across the UK and abroad, and the role of the Scottish Government as a funder and promoter.

Ms Robison said: "Sport and physical activity has a significant impact on people's health and well-being, so the referendum in September next year gives us the chance to consider how Scottish sport could be better off with independence, with more opportunities to compete on the international stage and a greater say on how best to develop our athletes.

Mr McLeish said: "Scotland has a proud history of sporting achievement, both at an elite and grassroots level, which gives us a great platform on which to plan for the future.

"I welcome this opportunity to work with an experienced and diverse group to give independent and considered views on what will deliver the greatest opportunities for sport and physical activity in Scotland in the coming decades."

Members of the working group are expected to be named in the coming weeks.