The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation into plans for the development of a new safety system for adventure activities such as caving, trekking and watersports.

It follows proposals from the UK government to replace the Adventures Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) - set up in 1995 after four people died while canoeing in Dorset.

Views are being sought on three options for Scotland, which include the UK government's planned new voluntary code of practice and would remove costs associated with licensing.

A non-statutory, voluntary accreditation scheme and a statutory scheme are also put forward in the consultation, which was launched by Commonwealth Games and sport minister Shona Robison.

Robison said: "Any safety system developed for adventure activities in Scotland would need to meet the needs of Scottish providers and users whilst being robust and proportionate.

"That's why I want to hear views on whether a statutory inspection and licensing regime should be maintained or if a new approach should be adopted."

Details: www.scotland.gov.uk