ALASTAIR Darling has taken the plunge and accepted a challenge from James McAvoy to take part in the ice bucket challenge.

The Better Together leader posted a picture of himself being drenched in icy water after he and First Minister Alex Salmond were nominated by the Scottish actor.

The social media craze is aimed at raising awareness and money for the neurodegenerative disease ALS, or motor neurone disease.

Mr Darling thanked McAvoy and tweeted a link to www.gordonsfightback.com, an awareness-raising site set up by Better Together director of research Gordon Aikman.

The First Minister has also accepted McAvoy's challenge.

Mr Salmond said: "I'm always up for any challenge, and I'm game for this one.

"It will invigorate me for the next month of campaigning - but the Scottish media should be careful what they wish for, as I get to nominate who's next for the ice bucket!"