Air guns should have unique markers to identify owners to help police in investigations MSPs have said.

The Scottish Parliament Local Government committee called for the measure in the Bill that will require air guns to be licensed

Its report into the Bill said: "This would assist the police in tackling criminal misuse of air weapons."

Kevin Stewart, committee convener, said: "There is no doubt air weapons are dangerous. "Recently a rail worker and a fire fighter were shot as they carried out their jobs and this kind of incident happens far too often.

"That is why we welcome plans to introduce a licensing regime for air weapons. It is a timely and important piece of work. Misuse of these weapons must be addressed and the Bill takes this objective a step closer."