Castle event for Olympic heroes

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The "tremendous" achievements of Scotland's Olympians have been celebrated at a special reception at Edinburgh Castle.

Track cyclist Chris Hoy, the first Briton for 100 years to win three golds at a single Olympics, was one of the distinguished guests at the event.

Silver medallist rower Katherine Grainger also attended the party, hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond.

It follows an open-top bus parade through Edinburgh last week.

Landmark location

Invitations to the Edinburgh Castle reception were extended to the 31 Scots who were part of the British team in Beijing.

Support staff, representatives of various sporting bodies and friends and family of the athletes also attended.

They were piped in to the reception by the Dundee-based Mains of Fintry pipe band, which performed at the opening ceremony in China.

Edinburgh-born Hoy, Scotland's greatest-ever Olympian, said it was "fantastic" to be invited to a reception at such a landmark location.

The 32-year-old said: "It's great to see all the team back together again. It's the first time I've seen them all in one place since Beijing."

He described the time since he won the medals as a "whirlwind" and said last week's parade was a day to remember.

The dedication, drive and determination each of our Olympians has shown are inspirational First MinisterAlex Salmond

Hoy said: "It was probably one of the best days of my life, that was just unbelievable."

Glasgow-born rower Katherine Grainger, 32, picked up her third silver medal in three consecutive Olympic Games.

She said the reception was a chance to recognise the family and friends who have supported athletes over the years.

"We wouldn't be successful without our support network, without a doubt," she said.

Scots cyclist Ross Edgar, 25, and canoeist David Florence, 26, who both scooped silver medals in August, were unable to make the reception.

Mr Salmond said the event was about recognising the country's Olympians, as well as all the people behind the scenes who helped to get them where they are today.

Olympic success

He said: "It's a pleasure to celebrate Scotland's tremendous success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to honour all the athletes who competed and to congratulate our medallists for their magnificent achievements.

"The dedication, drive and determination each of our Olympians has shown are inspirational.

"Their efforts will not only provide encouragement to other athletes but also inspire many ordinary men and women to take up a sport and make healthier, positive changes to their lifestyle."

The reception comes a day after Hoy said he felt politicians had tried to "cash in" on his success in Beijing.

Shortly after his Olympic success, he became embroiled in a debate over the feasibility of a Scottish Olympic team.

He said: "I was annoyed at getting drawn into a political debate when I'm an athlete. I ride a bike, I'm not a politician."

Hoy stressed that his objection to a Scottish team was based on feasibility and not a lack of national pride.