A play created and performed by teenagers who will be voting for the first time in the independence referendum is the "authentic voice" of young Scotland, the First Minister has said.

Alex Salmond was given a special preview of the politically neutral play Now's the Hour when he visited Scottish Youth Theatre's headquarters in Glasgow.

The show features letters young voters have written to their future selves in 20 years' time, expressing their hopes and fears for the country.

The play, which examines issues as wide-ranging as Trident, tuition fees and the economy, will have a three-week run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Mr Salmond described it as a "funny, fast-moving, emotional rollercoaster of a show that uses sketches, monologues and music to explore young people's attitudes to the referendum".

He said: "With a cast comprised entirely of teenagers who will be voting for the first time in the referendum, this play represents the authentic voice of a cross-section of young Scots who are actively engaging with politics."

Cast member Craig Edmond, 16, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, said the play "gets across the many different arguments from both sides of the debate in a way that is balanced, relatable, humorous and easy to understand".

During the visit, Mr Salmond also welcomed 90 performers from 10 Commonwealth countries who have created the Tin Forest International Performing Company for the Glasgow 2014 cultural festival. They will be putting on pop-up performances of street theatre across Glasgow.