Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond today faced fury from the opposition over the escape of a prisoner from an open jail.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond today faced fury from the opposition over the escape of a prisoner from an open jail.

Labour demanded an apology from Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill over the escape of Brian Martin, who was at large for a week before handing himself in.

And Tories demanded a cabinet reshuffle.

"Whatever the failings of Mr MacAskill, the buck stops at Bute House," said Tory leader Annabel Goldie.

The demands came in angry exchanges at First Minister's Questions where Mr Salmond defended Kenny MacAskill and rounded on Labour's record.

"Absconds from the open estate are running at only a fifth of the level they were under the Labour Party - and one eighth of the level they were under the Conservative Party," he said.

The issue dominated the start of First Minister's Questions, despite an opening announcement by Mr Salmond of a £2,000 boost for apprentices who lose their job.

"After the apprenticeship summit and the discussions with major employers with capacity to take on apprentices, we have decided on policy to offer a one-off payment of £2,000 to enable apprentices in Scotland who discontinue their employment to move into gainful training," he said.

But Mr Gray ignored this and went straight onto the attack over the case of Brian Martin, 51, who absconded on Monday of last week from Castle Huntly open prison.

Martin, serving 10 years for a firearms offence, handed himself over to police on Monday.