THE Kelvingrove bowls centre will be the stunning image of the Commonwealth Games, according to Alex Salmond.

The First Minister met two Glasgow brothers in the Pakistan bowling team nearby and said the backdrop of the museum and Glasgow University was "epic".

Mr Salmond said all the hard work of the last seven years is coming to fruition.

He said that he had a go on the new greens when they were first opened and added: "Kelvingrove will be the iconic venue for the Games. This is in the heart of the city - it will look epic."

Mr Salmond said he would be at the opening and closing ceremonies and planned to attend sessions covering all sports taking place at the Games.

He said he was looking forward to welcoming the Queen and the athletes from around the world and was relaxed about the possibility of protests against sponsors ATOS over work capability tests for disabled people.

He said: "People have a legitimate point of view.

"The Games organisers don't have responsibility for the social security policies of the Westminster Government and it is unfair to suggest they do.

"For people with disabilities this is the first integrated Games and I will be cheering on our para athletes.

"People know where this government and the Games stand on discrimination of any kind.

"I've been known to make the odd protest myself from time to time and I would be the last person to deny people their right to do so."