By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

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Scottish sensation Alain Baxter hopes his stunning bronze medal at the Winter Olympics will inspire the next generation of British skiers.

The 28-year-old, with a Saltire dyed into his hair, received a hero's welcome to the tune of two pipers on his return to Scotland ON Wednesday morning.

Baxter shocked the world of alpine skiing on Saturday by sliding to glory in the men's slalom, capturing the hearts of the British public.

The Aviemore ace's feat was Britain's first ever medal on snow, but he is hoping it will inspire youngsters to follow in his footsteps.

"Hopefully this will give the sport a big boost," said Baxter.

"I think we've got the biggest base for a long time and they're all young.

"We also have to encourage young skiers to come through and work on junior development and bring them through the ranks."

British coach John Clark reckons his former pupil's success will change the Alpine nations' attitude to British skiing forever.

He said: "The biggest difference will be that any skier from Britain that will go skiing in the next 12 months and longer will have a very different ride up the chairlift with the French, German or Austrian fellow skier.

"They will be able to talk to them from a slightly different perspective having a medal winner sitting at home.

"The standard of conversation up until last weekend was 'are you from Scotland and do you have skiing there?'

"But we are in a different league now, so every skier will notice the difference when they ride the chairlift."

Baxter and British Ski and Snowboard Federation's operations director Fiona McNeilly today joined forces in asking for more money to be put into the development of young talent.

Baxter added: "It has been a bit of a battle for me, but it doesn't have to be. We are getting support, but we could still do with some more.

"But I think as long as the athletes have got the dedication then they are going to get there.

McNeilly continued: "Alain Baxter's bronze medal is the most significant achievement by a British skier in modern times.

"This achievement also explodes the myth that the best skiers come from the Alpine nations.

"But in recent years we've been able to concentrate the funding that we have on the athletes at the top level.

"Where we need to be looking now is putting more funding, should that become available to us, into younger athletes and to attract people into the sport and keep them."

Baxter was stunned and overwhelmed by the hype back home surrounding his heroics, which capped Britain's best result at the Winter Olympics since 1936.

He said: "It feels great to be back - I've missed home and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

"I have been asked the question about how I feel plenty of times since I won the bronze and the answer is I still don't know.

"I really can't answer that one, but what I can is that it felt really good.

"It was a strange and funny race with people giving 150, and guys going so fast and for medals, so it was a thrill to win bronze.

"I was a little bit nervous, but it feels so good to have the medal and now I've got a week off so we'll have a party tonight."

Alain's younger brother Noel finished in 21st place, but it was the blue-haired older brother who had shot to overnight fame with his heroics at Salt Lake City in the United States.

Aviemore is holding a street party tonight in honour of hometown hero Baxter.

He looked startled by media and public attention, but despite his new-found fame insisted it would not change him.

Baxter added: "I have done a little bit of talking before, but not in front of a crowd of people like this - but it feels great.

"After the race everyone was congratulating me and people were coming up to me and hugging me.

"They thought it was great to have another nation on the podium, so afterwards we had a wee celebration.

"But I've got to admit that my head's been a little fuzzy, and Saturday was wild.

"I hope it won't change my life too much, although some things will be easier now.

"But I can't imagine it will change my life that much - I'll keep my feet on the ground."