A huge haul of almost 12,000 airguns has been handed into police stations across Scotland in three weeks.

They were surrendered by members of the public as part of Police Scotland's Air Weapons Surrender Campaign ahead of stricter licensing laws being introduced.

Chief constable Phil Gormley hailed the amnesty a resounding success as he revealed 11,569 weapons were handed in to police stations across the country during the initiative.

All the weapons will now be destroyed in a secure location "for reasons of security, health and safety", the force said.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson also announced an additional 1000 weapons had been handed in since the campaign drew to a close on June 12.

Mr Gormley thanked everyone who has given up weapons they no longer wish to keep or licence and announced police stations would still be able to receive weapons up until the end of the year.

He said: "This is a fantastic response. Every weapon handed in had the potential to cause serious harm within our communities if misused and to have more than 11,000 fewer weapons in existence has made Scotland a safer place.

"I am pleased to say our officers are still able to accept unwanted air weapons.

"All of these guns, and an assortment of other harmful weapons including crossbows, shotguns, rifles and several pistols dating back to the Second World War will now be taken away and destroyed to ensure they are off our streets forever."

Mr Matheson said: "It is extremely encouraging that more than 11,000 unwanted air weapons have been handed in by people who do not plan to have a licence when the new law comes in to force at the end of the year.

"The new licensing regime is not a ban on air weapons but a means of ensuring people can use air weapons in a regulated way without compromising public safety.

"We believe this legislation strikes the right balance between protecting communities and allowing legitimate shooting in a safe environment to continue. I would encourage anybody with an air weapon to stay on the right side of the law by applying when applications on July 1.

"For anybody who plans not to have a licence, Police Scotland will support them to hand in their weapon safely."

Full details of the surrender campaign can be found on the Police Scotland website at: http://www.scotland.police.uk/whats-happening/airweapons/

Anyone wishing to retain an air weapon after December 31, 2016, is required to apply for a licence, or face prosecution with penalties of a fine or up to two years imprisonment.