"First Minister Jack McConnell today welcomed G8 leaders as they arrived in Scotland for the beginning of the 2005 summit.
One of the first to arrive was Jose Manuel Barosso, President of the European Commission.
The leaders flew into Prestwick airport in Ayrshire, each greeted by their national anthem played by the Lowland band of the Scottish regiments, before Mr McConnell guided them to meet saltire-waving children from local primarcy (sic) schools at Nether Robertland, Gargieston, and Troon.
The leaders then travelled north by helicopter to Gleneagles where Mr McConnell will join them for the Queen's official dinner tonight.
At Prestwick, Mr McConnell said: "Today marks the start of G8 Scotland - perhaps the most important, certainly the most high profile summit of the G8 leaders for decades.
"Two hundred years ago Scottish thinkers, philosophers, economists and writers changed the world for the 19th and 20th century. Now, there is a chance that the most momentous decisions which will shape the 21st century will be taken on Scottish soil.''
"Over the next three days we hope much progress is made on climate change and on making poverty history in Africa. And when they leave on Friday, they will leave with a lasting
impression of the best small country in the world.'' "
First rule of diplomacy - spell the man's name properly. It's Barroso.
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