A dedicated team of specialists tasked with reducing sex crimes in the Lothians has been praised by Scotland's top prosecutor.

The group, known as the Amethyst team, was launched earlier this year and helps improve the training for prosecutors involved in sex offence cases.

Elish Angiolini, one of the top prosecutors in Scotland, said: "Rape and serious sexual offences are some of the most vile crimes which can be committed in society. We all have a responsibility to respond to offences of sexual violence with determination, and sensitivity to victims.

"As a result of the review of rape and sexual offences, staff across the prosecution service will be trained to a high standard to ensure a consistent and professional approach to these crimes. The aim is to offer the very best level of service that we can, and prosecute where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so."

The new unit, which operates under the name of the Amethyst team, consists of more than 70 staff, including police officers, support staff, senior health officials and social workers.

It deals with all aspects of child and vulnerable adult protection, sexual crimes, domestic abuse and sex offenders.

The police's youth justice team are also based in the same building.

In addition to providing office space, there are purpose built interview rooms and a medical examination suite for victims who will no longer have to travel to different parts of the city to be interviewed and examined.