New figures have revealed that Scotland has the fastest rising murder rate in western Europe.
Data published by the United Nations has shown that the number of murders in Scotland was 2.1 per 100,000 people.
Scotland joins Finland and Portugal in having the highest homicide rate in western Europe.
The UN Survey of Crime Trends and Operation of Criminal Justice Systems, covered the period 2005-2006.
The results of the survey showed that the murder rate in Scotland rose by 34% from 1.59 to 2.1 per 100,000.
The increase was the sixth largest in the world behind Bahrain with a rise of 73%, Jordan 45%, Tajikistan 43%, Armenia 37% and Mauritius with an increase of 35%.
During the period of the survey the number of recorded murders in Scotland was 109 with 31 of those in Glasgow. During 2005-2006 the city saw an increase from 4.49 to 5.34 per 100,000.
Figures released by the Scottish Government for 2006-2007 show the number of killings in Scotland as 114.
The majority of the murders were performed with a sharp instrument like a knife.
Conservative Justice spokesman Bill Aitken, told the Herald: "What do we need to do to smash this booze and blade culture that prevails among youths in west central Scotland?
"There should be a significant increase in stop and search. Anyone caught carrying a weapon should be fast-tracked by the courts and there should be a presumption of custody."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Knife crime is not a new problem in Scotland. Too many Scots - especially young men - feel the need to carry a blade under the delusion that it offers them protection.
"These figures cover 2005-06. A lot has changed since then - and we are tackling the problem now."
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Robert Brown said: "These figures are appalling.
"Far too many of them are the result of carrying knives and the Scottish Government must tackle this urgently.
"We want decisive action to tackle the root causes of violent crime, particularly the scourge of alcohol abuse which is Scotland's shame."
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Last updated: 16 February 2009, 23:11
































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