DRUG smuggler Melissa Reid could serve the rest of her sentence in the UK as Peru seeks a jail transfer.

The 20-year-old, from Lenzie, may return home in the coming months after it emerged the Scottish Prison Service is considering a repatriation application from Lima authorities.

Reid pleaded guilty to drug smuggling along with Michaella McCollum from Co Tyrone in September. Both were jailed for six years and eight months.

The pair were working on Ibiza last summer when they claim they were forced to board a flight with 24lb of cocaine, worth £1.5million in food packets hidden inside their luggage. They were caught at Lima airport on August 6.

Reid's father said he has met with Scotland's justice secretary Kenny MacAskill and is hopeful that his daughter will serve the rest of her sentence closer to home. It is understood in most cases prisoner transfer applications are approved.

Billy Reid, 54, said: "I had a very positive meeting with Kenny MacAskill and he reassured me that Scotland has no issue (with) accepting Melissa back to serve her sentence here.

"We understand the Scottish Government can't promise to magic her back home and they won't pull any strings, but it was very comforting to hear that they are not against any move."

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received an application from Peru for the transfer of a prisoner."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Justice Secretary had a private meeting with Mr Reid.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has responsibility for UK citizens imprisoned abroad. We have been in touch with them regarding Melissa Reid and have asked to be kept informed of developments."

Her parents began transfer moves in January after paying a £3500 fine that allowed her to apply for the agreement.