An event looking at how to encourage more people to vote in elections is being staged at Holyrood.

The Scottish Government has teamed up with the Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee to host the seminar on Friday.

Around 50 organisations have been invited to the event, including local government body Cosla, the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Reform Society and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford will also attend.

"Voter turnout is an issue for any election," he said.

"We need to consider how to improve turnout, what the difficulties are that have to be overcome and how we can fix the disconnect between voters and politicians.

"I believe that these questions are not just for government, and this is why a broad range of organisations have been invited.

"I look forward to hearing the views from these groups and participating in the event myself."

Duncan McNeil, the committee convener, said a good turnout of voters is "fundamental to the success of any election".

He added: "This seminar will give us an excellent opportunity to look at why people vote or don't vote and what we can do to encourage greater numbers of people to register and use their vote."