An alliance of UK anti-stalking groups will be announced at Holyrood as the success of Scotland's stalking laws is celebrated.

Organised by the Scottish National Stalking Awareness Group (SNSG), the alliance brings together organisations and agencies from across Scotland, England and Wales to promote a zero tolerance approach to the crime. Anti-stalking laws were introduced in Scotland in 2010 to help protect victims and to reflect the seriousness of the crime.

Prior to 2010, stalking was prosecuted as a form of harassment under breach of the peace. Prime Minister David Cameron announced earlier this month that stalking will be recognised as a criminal offence in England and Wales.

The launch of the alliance at Holyrood was expected to be attended by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, Solicitor General for Scotland Lesley Thomson QC and Ann Moulds, founder of Scotland Against Stalking and the SNSG, among others.

A simultaneous launch event will also be held at Westminster, hosted by Baroness Brinton. It coincides with the first UK National Stalking Awareness Day.

Ms Moulds said: "The past three years has seen some ground-breaking achievements in Scotland with changing attitudes and the law as regards stalking.

"Stalking is now a recognised offence across the whole of the UK. National Stalking Awareness Day will ensure that the spotlight stays on stalking.

"This is a serious crime and we must ensure it remains high profile. Agencies in Scotland and England have worked closely together to produce resources to ensure that happens."

Ms Thomson added: "I am delighted to support National Stalking Awareness Day to raise awareness that organisations are working together to ensure zero tolerance of this unacceptable criminal behaviour.

"It gives me an opportunity to make it clear that Scotland's prosecutors fully understand that stalking is a serious crime that can have devastating and long-term effects on victims.

"Section 39 of the Criminal Justice & Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 is a powerful tool to deal with stalking and since the legislation came into force, we have developed a robust policy for prosecution of these offences.

"I hope that I can provide reassurance to victims that it is safe to come forward and report stalking offences, and that such offending will be thoroughly investigated and the full powers of the legislation use.”