The Scotsman newspaper has marked 200 years since the publication of its first edition.

The Queen and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon were among the first to congratulate editor Ian Stewart and his staff on the milestone.

The first edition of the newspaper was published on January 25, 1817.

A copy of the first edition - which also went by the alternative name "Edinburgh Political and Literary Journal" - was included in the special 200th souvenir paper on Wednesday.

The history of the title will be celebrated with a series of events and activities over the year.

In a letter published in Wednesday's paper, 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."

Ms Sturgeon has also sent her congratulations, writing: "The Scotsman occupies a special place in Scottish journalism and I commend its staff, past and present, for all the work they have done in ensuring its success over so many years."

To help mark the anniversary, the newspaper has launched The Scotsman 200, a new feature with special contributors "from all walks of life".

It is also embarking on a year-long series called 200 Voices, which aims to "bring to life the past, present and future of Scotland" through the voices of 200 "remarkable" people who have played a major role in the nation.

A poem has been written by Scottish poet William Letford, while award-winning illustrator and architectural designer David Fleck has unveiled a hand-drawn map featuring some of the country's best-known buildings and attractions.

Mr 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."

The celebrations follow the recent screening of The Paper Thistle: 200 Years of The Scotsman, a BBC Two Scotland documentary produced by STV Productions.

The programme went behind the scenes of the newspaper's headquarters in Edinburgh and featured interviews from former journalists including Andrew Marr.