Police will carry out a review of safety at public events in Scotland following the deaths of three people at a rally.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced the Scottish Government will also commission a review of motor sport event safety in light of the tragedy.

Iain Provan, 64, his partner Elizabeth Allan, 63, and Len Stern, 71, were killed in what was the second of two crashes during the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders on Saturday afternoon.

Two other injured men, both 61, are still in hospital - one in a stable condition and one in a critical but stable condition.

Mr MacAskill announced the reviews as he gave a statement to the Scottish Parliament following a visit to the scene of the accidents.

"We have had discussions with Police Scotland about the need to review spectator safety more generally," he said.

"I think it appropriate to review safety at public events, and to do so very speedily.

"Across the country there is a busy calendar of events and a huge amount of careful planning already done."

He added: "While the Jim Clark rally is unique as a closed road and unticketed event, the Scottish Government will ask Police Scotland to work with event organisers and local authorities to undertake a health check of event planning for events taking place this summer.

"This will ensure safety regimes and risk assessment procedures are in place, and the licensing conditions are being met."

Mr MacAskill said the review will happen over the next four weeks, ahead of major events including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

He continued: "Spectator safety must always be paramount."