More than 600 motorists were caught over the drink drive limit during the festive period in Scotland.

The proportion of drivers and motorcyclists stopped by police across the country who were found to be over the limit has risen from 2.8% to 3.3% in a year.

Police Scotland's four-week enforcement campaign saw an average of 610 drivers tested every day - a 15% rise in the number of checks carried out the year before.

Around 19,000 drivers were stopped during the 2016/17 festive period campaign with a total of 625, or one in 30, over the limit compared with one in 36 during the same period in the previous year.

More than nine per cent of those caught drink driving tested between the old and new limits, up on four per cent the previous year.

Of the 625 detected, 46 were caught in the morning having been drinking the night before. That is an increase from 13 in 2015/16.

Police Scotland's crackdown coincided with a Scottish Government awareness campaign to reinforce the message that "the best approach is none".

Justice secretary Michael Matheson said: "It is hugely disappointing to see a rise in the number of drivers who have flouted the law and put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk over the festive period.

"Of course people should be enjoying time with their loved ones over Christmas and New Year but this isn't an excuse to ignore the law and get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

"By drink driving, including the morning after, you are not only putting yourselves at risk, but also facing a minimum one year driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence and a substantial fine. Please remember, the best approach is none."

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said: "It is an absolute disgrace that so many people were prepared to risk their own lives, as well as the lives of innocent people, by recklessly taking to the roads while in a drunken state.

"We were massively active over the festive season and while the number of tests we carried out was greater than last year, proportionately the number of people caught, particularly those the following morning, was greater still.

"Drivers need to take far greater personal responsibility, and also be aware that while this campaign is over, my officers still have a very sharp focus on detecting and arresting drunk drivers.

"I repeat the guidance given at the start of the campaign - don't risk it, because - as these 625 people have found to their cost - we will detect and arrest you."