A new action plan to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM) will help more teachers and health workers spot signs of the "unacceptable practice", the Social Justice Secretary has said.

Alex Neil added that while ministers are committed to doing "everything possible" to end FGM, he conceded there is "no easy solution to achieve this".

The new action plan will see women who suffer the trauma of FGM being offered specialist mental health services while all social work offices and health boards will need to have one professional with expertise in the area as part of their team.

Healthcare workers, teachers and other professionals will be given information and support to help spot those at risk while strategies for dealing with violence against women will be required to include actions aimed at preventing FGM.

Mr Neil launched the plan during a visit to Glasgow Rape Crisis, which together with the Scottish Government runs a programme aimed at reaching out to to communities affected by FGM.

He said: "FGM is an unacceptable and illegal practice, a form of violence against women and a violation of human rights. It has absolutely no place in Scotland or anywhere else.

"We are committed to working together to do everything possible to tackle this issue but recognise there is no easy solution to achieve this.

"That's why I'm pleased today to announce measures in this action plan that are aimed at identifying and taking action against perpetrators, as well as changing attitudes and behaviours to keep women and children safe and well."

Isabelle Kerr, manager at Rape Crisis Glasgow, said: "This support from the Scottish Government has meant we have been able to focus part of our work on survivors who have experienced female genital cutting, not only by offering face-to-face support but also with group work.

"This is giving women the chance to come together and support each other, and has also given us the chance to work with the women on building confidence and self-esteem, on their health and wellbeing, and on managing the symptoms of their trauma. The partnership has been invaluable to us."