Moves to put offenders on community service orders more quickly were today announced by the Scottish Government.

An extra £1 million is to be provided so councils can take on more staff to deliver the penalties.

The move was announced by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill during a visit to Paisley.

"Low level offenders should be paying back the harm they have caused to communities through the sweat of their brow," said the minister.

"Taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for their free bed and board in prison."

He announced the move at a disability centre which has a new path and garden provided by those working on "community payback" tasks.

The money will be provided next year to enable councils to recruit more staff so offenders can start their community service orders more quickly, and for orders to be completed in a shorter time-frame.

Mr MacAskill said: "I believe tough community penalties are key to having a more coherent penal policy - where the punishment fits the crime.

"To make them as effective as possible they need to be delivered swiftly and consistently.

"The extra funding will allow extra staff to be employed and help make sure offenders sentenced to community payback aren't waiting for a placement to become available."