Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is to spend his holiday playing golf in Scotland.

Mr Salmond will take a short break on the west coast of Scotland, his spokesman said.

He will go on leave tomorrow and will return to work on Monday August 18.

His deputy, health secretary Nicola Sturgeon, will be formally at the helm in his absence.

The exact area where Mr Salmond will be staying has not been revealed, but his spokesman stressed the First Minister would be contactable if needed.

He added: "In the meantime, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is deputising and she's in charge."