Proposals to force public bodies to have gender-balanced boards will help "shatter the glass ceiling once and for all", the equalities secretary has said.

Angela Constance made the comments in Falkirk at the launch of a public consultation into the plans.

She was visiting the Falkirk Wheel in the town, which is operated by Scottish Canals - a public body backing the legislation.

The Scottish Government has put forward its Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill to ensure a 50/50 gender balance in non-executive board roles.

If passed by MSPs, the law would not apply to private companies.

Constance said: "Despite making up 51% of the population, women continue to be under-represented in public life.

"In a new year, with new powers, this bill is a significant step forward in making sure this position changes, and that women are properly represented in senior and decision-making positions across Scotland, helping to shatter the glass ceiling once and for all."

She added: "Not only is this a matter of equality and fairness but there is strong evidence to suggest that better balanced boards perform better too, making best use of all the talents at their fingertips.

"Scottish Canals is an excellent example of a public body with a gender-balanced board and I believe this can and should be the norm for all public bodies in Scotland.

"I'm keen to hear views on this bill and would encourage people to respond to the proposals it makes."

Women currently occupy 42% of places on public boards following an increase in female appointments in 2015.

Andrew Thin, chairman of Scottish Canals, said: "We are delighted to support the launch of the Scottish Government's consultation into equality and gender balance.

"As an inclusive organisation, Scottish Canals benefits greatly from a diverse workforce, from the bank side to the boardroom, and this is vitally important as we seek to do more with these valuable public assets and ensure they deliver maximum value for all of the people of Scotland."