Illegal dog hunting is on the rise in Scotland, new figures show.

The number of incidents reported to police hit a five-year high last year, according to the Scottish Government's annual wildlife crime report.

The problem is worst in the north east of Scotland, where 20 of the 44 crimes occurred.

A father and son were found guilty of carrying out an illegal fox hunt in the Borders earlier this year but dog hunting still has the lowest conviction rate of any wildlife crime.

The overall number of crimes fell 8% overall, although the total did not include the disappearance of a number of satellite-tagged golden eagles.

They were not included because there was no physical evidence crimes had been committed.

RSPB Scotland has called for tougher punishments for wildlife criminals.

"Sadly, the illegal killing of our of native birds of prey remains a blight on the international reputation of Scotland and in our view stronger sanctions are urgently required to act as a deterrent," a spokeswoman said.

"At the end of May 2017, an official report into the fate of satellite-tagged golden eagles showed that many of these birds were disappearing in suspicious circumstances, primarily on land managed for driven grouse shooting.

"We believe that an effective licensing system for driven grouse shooting, including sanctions to remove licences to operate where illegal activity is confirmed, could help tackle persistent criminality."

The total number of crimes recorded fell from 284 to 261 last year, including a 26% reduction in fish poaching.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said there is "no room for complacency".

She said: "We know that it is very likely that golden eagles and other raptors are being illegally killed every year, but where there is no body or tag to be found these losses do not make it into the recorded crime figures.

"I have set out some measures to tackle the issue of missing raptors, including setting up an independent group to examine grouse moor management practices and a new pilot scheme to use special constables to tackle wildlife crime in the Cairngorms Park.

"I am determined to put an end to raptor killing and all other types of wildlife crime."