Fayed 'wants to be Scottish president'

Mohamed Al Fayed has said that he would like to be the president of Scotland.

The Harrods owner told The Sunday Times that his "fellow Scots" should fight for independence.

He explained that he feels close to the Scots because he believes that they are descended from an Egyptian princess.

"You Scots have been living in a coma for too long," he said. "It is time for you to waken up and detach yourselves from the English and their terrible politicians.

"Whatever help is needed for Scotland to regain its independence, I will provide it. When you Scots regain your freedom I'm ready to be your president."

However, Fayed criticised the leader of the Scottish National Party Alex Salmond.

"I will do anything for Scotland but I don't want this Alex Salmond," he said. "I asked to meet him, but he refused. I wanted to give him some help and advice, but he didn't want to know.

"I buy property in Scotland, I employ people there, I bring in tourists there, I believe in Scotland, but still he won't see me."