OLYMPIAN Sir Chris Hoy and violinist Nicola ­Benedetti feature in a new multi-million pound ­marketing drive urging people to make Scotland their top destination in 2014.

VisitScotland's £5.3 million "brilliant moments" campaign highlights three headline events taking place next year - Homecoming Scotland, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at ­Gleneagles, Perthshire.

The campaign, which aims to draw in tourists from around the world and encourage Scots to enjoy events on their own ­doorstep, was launched by First ­Minister Alex Salmond.

At the heart of the drive is a £3 million television campaign involving four adverts. They are all set to a specially-penned poem and feature Scots from various walks of life, but each differs slightly in its focus

In the main TV advert and a Commonwealth Games-specific version, Sir Chris will deliver the final line in the 30-second clip.

Classic Brit Award winner Benedetti will feature in the version which highlights the Year of Homecoming while Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will deliver the final line of the advert to promote golf's clash between Europe and the US.

The adverts will be screened across the UK throughout this year and next, and it is hoped word will also spread through social media.

Mr Salmond said: "2014 is a great year for Scotland - one full of brilliant moments - the Ryder Cup, ­Commonwealth Games and the second Year of Homecoming.

"Scotland welcomes the world next year and this campaign shows that our people, our natural ­landscapes and our culture are tremendous adverts in themselves.''