Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement

First Minister Alex Salmond has appeared on BBC Scotland's Children in Need in the guise of famous comic misanthrope the Reverend I M Jolly.

The dour minister created by the late Rikki Fulton was a popular fixture in the Hogmanay TV schedules with his catchphrase "Ah've had a helluva year".

Mr Salmond said his evangelical crusades went down well in Glasgow East - slightly less well in Glenrothes.

He said: "I preached 'Yes, we can', the people replied, 'Nah, we didnae'."

Addressing the nation from his armchair, the first minister said: "Dearly beloved fellow Scots - and Gordon Brown.

The Reverend I M Jolly was a character played by Rikki Fulton

"It is at times of great fiscal strain and hardship that we turn to the Bible for words of comfort and solace.

"Take Genesis: And God said 'Let there be sky - and those who can afford Sky can watch the best fitba'.

"And the Lord also said 'Let there be light' - but he changed his mind when the leccy bill came in."

Mr Salmond also poked fun at his predecessor as first minister, Jack McConnell.

The SNP leader said: "I'd also like to thank him for the present of fish he left for me in Bute House - under the floorboards.

"Moira and I had a great time too, replacing all the light bulbs he'd taken with him."

The first minister concluded his message: "Please dig deep, it's for the weans."

The final Children in Need total raised in Scotland was £1,751,780.



