The Scottish Government has announced £8.5 million in funding to improve health services for victims of rape and sexual assault.

The money will help ensure standards introduced last year, including stopping rape and sexual assault victims having forensic medical examinations in police stations - are implemented.

Rape Crisis Scotland said these changes are "welcome but long overdue" and said Scotland still has a long way to go.

The funding injection will support the work of the Government's Rape and Sexual Assault Victims Taskforce, set up last year after a report on the quality and availability of forensic medical services for sex crime victims found Scotland to be "well behind" the rest of the UK.

Facilities were found to be "unacceptable" and many examinations were carried out in police stations.

Some victims faced lengthy journeys for examinations and in some cases were asked not to wash for a day or more after an assault.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: "I want to see compassionate healthcare and support should be as close as possible to the point of need.

"Our taskforce is driving improvement in this important area and they are on track with their five-year plan."

A Rape Crisis Scotland spokeswoman said: "Rape is a crime which can have a significant and long lasting impact.

"The immediate response from agencies and the quality of help available can make a big difference to someone who has just been raped or sexually assaulted.

"The very least survivors of rape should be able to expect is a standard of forensic care which will allow their examination to take place in an appropriate location and the choice to have this undertaken by a female forensic examiner - regardless of geographical location."

She added: "These changes are welcome but long overdue and we have a long way still to go before that minimum standard is achieved across the country."