A SPORTS boss has hailed the "truly phenomenal" performance of Scots at the Olympics who have taken home a record haul of medals.

So far, competitors from Scotland have won seven golds, equalling the number won in Stockholm 100 years ago.

By winning 11 medals in total – including three silvers and a bronze – the country has already had its best performance.

Mike Whittingham, director of high performance at the SportScotland Institute Of Sport, the national agency that leads the country's development of sport and physical recreation, praised the performance of Scots stars.

He also highlighted Sir Chris Hoy's "extraordinary" achievement after the cycling star took his sixth gold in three Olympics, becoming Britain's most successful Olympian.

Two of Scotland's seven golds in London have been won by Sir Chris, with others coming from Andy Murray in tennis; Tim Baillie in slalom canoeing; and Heather Stanning and Glasgow-born Katherine Grainger in rowing; while Scott Brash was part of the men's equestrian team that came first in the team showjumping.

As well as winning the men's singles, Murray won a silver in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson.

Mr Whittingham said: "The performance of our athletes at the London Olympics has been truly phenomenal and we are delighted they have delivered the greatest Scottish medal haul at a Games.

"It is clear the Scottish athletes have punched above their weight at London 2012.

"This success can be attributed to the talent of the athletes, their coaches and support teams, the work of the sports' governing bodies, SportScotland and UK Sport, as well as the quality of the programmes our athletes have been on in Scotland, England and elsewhere."

He added: "Sir Chris Hoy's achievement of becoming Britain's most successful Olympian is extraordinary, and all of Scotland should be immensely proud of him, our eight other medallists so far and every one of the 55 athletes in the team."

Scotland has sent its largest number of competitors to the London Olympics as part of Team GB, with 24 more Scots selected than in Beijing in 2008.

With the Games not finished, the country could boost its medal tally further, with Glasgow athlete Lee McConnell having the chance of winning one of the honours as part of the team for the women's 4x400 metres relay.

Sailor Luke Patience is guaranteed a medal with his partner Stuart Bithell in the sport's 470 class and Laura Bartlett and Emily Maguire could face Argentina in the semi-finals of the women's hockey.

Mr Whittingham said the country would "build on this tremendous success and look to replicate our athletes' terrific performances" in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

He also said the Olympic stars would help inspire Scottish youngsters.

Mr Whittingham said: "Scotland's children and young people will be motivated and inspired to emulate the successes of our athletes, and this can help create the next generation of champions."