Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has said that the SNP must do more to tackle rising crime in Argyll and Bute.

Mr Cameron spoke out after official Scottish Government figures showed that incidents of recorded crime had risen in Argyll and Bute by five times the national average between 2017/18 and 2018/19.

The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “In the last recorded twelve months there were 2,367 crimes across our area which was an increase of 5%, far higher than the rise experienced across the rest of the country.

“We think of Argyll and Bute as a relatively low-crime area so this is a concerning development, particularly as non-sexual crimes of violence showed an even greater percentage increase.

“Our police deserve all the help we can give them but, ultimately, it is up to the SNP Government to provide them with the support and resources they need to do their job.

“Judging by these results, it is evident that they need to do far more to help our police tackle this upsurge in criminal activity.”