AN independent advisory group on tackling sectarianism is to be set up.

The group will be tasked with a range of work to inform policy, said Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham.

Ms Cunningham also announced that projects tackling sectarianism across Scotland would benefit from a share in more than £900,000.

She made the announcements at a project in Shotts, Lanarkshire, which brings people together to share experiences of sectarianism through story and song.

Ms Cunningham said: "We are committed to eradicating the scourge of sectarianism from Scottish society and we have been testing out a variety of approaches to help us achieve this.

"The establishment of the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland will form a key plank of this wider work.

"I'm also delighted to announce further funding to support a wide range of projects across Scotland which are tackling sectarianism in an innovative way.

"We have always said tackling bigotry and hatred isn't just about legislation, but about wider action to help bring communities together"

Group chairman Dr Duncan Morrow has 10 years' experience working in Northern Ireland as a member and chairman of the Community Relations Council.

He is a strong consensus figure, who commands the respect of both Protestant and Catholic communities.

The working group, which consists of academics and practitioners with experience of working with sectarianism and in communities, will look at criteria for assessing applications for funding, write a report on evidence regarding sectarianism and develop a research and evidence gathering process to fill gaps in knowledge of sectarianism in Scotland.

Dr Morrow said: "The advisory group will work hard to ensure that our advice is rooted in real evidence and practical experience."

The latest funding is part of £9million set aside to tackle sectarianism between 2012 and 2015.