By Ian Gordon, PA Sport

Alison Sheppard broke a 28-year gold medal drought for Scotland as she blasted her way to victory in the Commonwealth Games 50metres freestyle in Manchester.

The 29-year-old triumphed in 24.76 secs to become the first Scot to win a Games title since David Wilkie struck double gold in 1974.

Australia's Jodie Henry was second in 25.37 with New Zealand's Toni Jeffs third in 25.48.

Sheppard, a great niece of former Formula One world champion Jim Clark, had too much power for her rivals as she easily lived up to her billing as Games favourite.

The Canada-based swimmer blitzed her way down the pool and was just 0.10 secs outside the Commonwealth record she set in the heats at the Manchester Aquatics Centre yesterday.

It took Scotland's swimming medal tally to four at these Games but more importantly brought them that first gold since the days when Wilkie dominated in the pool.

England's Rosalind Brett was seventh in 26.03 with Wales' Catrin Davies eighth in 26.54.

Sheppard thanked her supporters, saying: "I had to do the business tonight otherwise they would have all been disappointed.

"I didn't look to see where anyone else was. I just looked to swim my own race."

Sheppard, who lives in Canada, thanked her husband Gary van der Meulen for his help in her success and revealed she was looking to return home to Scotland.

"We are desperate to come back here. We're just waiting for the right opportunity."

"There was a lot of pressure on me to get gold and I achieved it. I was feeling a little bit nervous, but I was confident at the same time.

"I was so excited to win here, it's been a long time coming. I am so pleased to do that in front of a home crowd."