Ananova:

Scotland's First Minister says Michelle McManus' victory in the Pop Idol should herald a new dawn in Scottish achievement.

Jack McConnell says he voted for Michelle in the television show's final which attracted a record 10.26 million other votes.

Former events manager McManus, dubbed "The Big Girl with the Big Voice", sang All This Time, On The Radio and the Meaning Of Love, which is the B-side to All This Time, the single which will be released on January 5.

Mr McConnell said: "This is a big signal to young Scots, if you have ambition and go for it, you can win.

"Michelle brought sparkle to the contest and real hope and then pride to Scotland. Well done."

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney also paid tribute to Michelle.

He said: "Congratulations to Michelle for her amazing win on Pop Idol, she has done herself and Scotland proud.

"Her performances have been excellent throughout the series and I hope that this is the start of a very successful musical career."

McManus's uncle Jim Matthew said he was "totally overwhelmed" by her success.

Mr Matthew, 46, watched the final at the Glasgow Science Centre with around 300 family, friends and well-wishers.

On the moment the result was announced, he said: "At first there was disbelief and it was so surreal.

"When it sunk in I was totally overwhelmed and stunned. We are all delighted for her.

Asked if he thought she would be crowned the nation's Pop Idol when she first auditioned for the show, Mr Matthew said: "Never. She was always the wee, happy-go-lucky girl from the housing scheme and I never thought she would reach the dizzy heights of fame and stardom."

Mr Matthew, who lives near McManus's parents in the Garrowhill area of Glasgow, also said he was proud of the way she overcame criticism of her appearance.