FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has insisted his administration will seek new ways of tackling the problem of guns.

Westminster's refusal to hand over powers on firearms legislation would not prevent Scottish ministers from taking a "constructive approach".

At the start of a firearms summit in Edinburgh, he said: "We cannot be complacent - communities are crying out for action."

Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill chaired the event, attended by police, shooting representatives and gun control campaigners. But Home Secretary Jacqui Smith declined to take part.

The Scottish Government said it was organised amid growing concern over firearms - especially air weapons.

Mr Salmond said recorded firearm casualties had risen by a quarter last year - one in three of them children.

He added: "Current legislation is a guddle, amended and extended over 40 years.

"It is the duty of any government to safeguard its people. That's why we have sought the removal of Westminster reservation on firearms to allow us to legislate for Scotland.

"Home Office refusal will not stop us from taking a constructive approach.

"We are bringing together a wide range of people to find agreement about what measures we can take to make our society safer."