Scotland's Rape Crisis centres are to receive an extra £1.5m in government funding to expand their support services.

The centres provide a safe environment where anyone effected by sexual violence can access emotional and practical support.

Centres in Glasgow and Dundee will receive £74,000 each, while the centre on Shetland will be given an extra £11,000 over three years. Another 11 centres will receive between £10,000 and £37,000.

The First Minister announced the centres would be given additional funding in the programme for government in September this year.

Equalities minister Christina McKelvie said the Scottish Government is "committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

"The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres - from Shetland to the Scottish Borders - of £1.5m over the next three years.

"That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure that more people can receive support, more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future."

Rape Crisis Scotland has lead the campaign against sexual violence for over 30 years.

The centres offer a range of services including a helpline, face-to-face meetings and training. They can also accompany survivors to court.