EventScotland’s corporate communications manager Leon Thompson told The Scotsman: “We’ve had the early conversations about the possibility of hosting the ’Grand Depart’ in Scotland.

“It’s an iconic world-class event, and the kind of event that would sit very well within our portfolio of major events. We haven’t discussed possible years yet, or where it might happen.”

Scotland is seeking to be a regular host of top-class sporting events and, following the UEFA Cup final at Hampden in May, Glasgow was awarded the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Cycling’s Tour of Britain finished in Glasgow this year.

The Scottish government have also backed a feasibility study to determine whether Scotland could stage football’s European Championships in 2016.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme has been made aware of Scotland’s interest in staging the prologue and first stage. Japan are also keen, however Scotland’s proximity to France would make it a more practical choice.

The soonest Scotland could get involved would be 2010, as Tour officials have confirmed the event will start in Brittany and Monaco in the next two years.

Scottish Tour de France rider David Millar said: “It would be amazing, and I think it is realistic.”