The Scotsman has marked its 200th anniversary today with a souvenir edition featuring its original front page.

The Edinburgh-based newspaper has also printed letters from The Queen and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulating it on the milestone, while acclaimed poet William Letford and illustrator David Fleck have both produced special works marking the occasion.

The paper is also embarking on a year-long multi-platform pioneering project to bring to life the past, present and future of Scotland through the voices of 200 people who have played a major role in the nation in a series called 200 Voices.

Five golden tickets, worth £200 each, have been hidden in copies of today’s paper, while people travelling by taxi in Edinburgh today can also win a free ride if they hail a vehicle featuring The Scotsman’s branding with free copies placed inside the cab.

Outgoing editor Ian Stewart said: “For two centuries The Scotsman has been at the heart of Scotland as a nation, covering the breaking news stories that have shaped our past and influenced our future; and we’re incredibly proud to be part of that story.

“The celebrations that have kicked off today are just the beginning, with various events and editorial initiatives still to come throughout 2017.

“We very much look forward to taking our readers on this journey with us, as we take our step together into the third century of The Scotsman as Scotland’s national newspaper.”

In her message, The Queen wrote: “Please convey my congratulations to all those on the newspaper’s staff and my good wishes to your readers in Scotland, and elsewhere, as you mark this significant anniversary.”