New laws to protect Scottish wildlife should be in place by the start of the breeding season next spring, according the country's justice minister.

Jim Wallace said the legislation was being fast-tracked because of the need to give more powers to police north of the border.

Under the proposals, offences such as egg thefts, disturbing nests or killing raptors will attract jail sentences of up to six months.

There will also be heavier fines and the forfeiture of equipment, including cars and boats.

Scotland will no longer be easy prey for wildlife criminals under our new plans to jail the worst offenders

Jim Wallace Justice Minister

Police will have the power of arrest and be able to search the homes of suspects for further evidence for the first time.

These changes have long been an aspiration of ministers - but the Scottish Executive failed to provide legislative time.

Following criticism that egg thieves in Scotland could escape jail - while those in England faced imprisonment - ministers have added the proposals to the Criminal Justice Bill already before MSPs.

Mr Wallace said he was confident that the Scottish Parliament would support the new laws this autumn.

"This time scale is very important because it will allow the new powers to be in place for the next breeding season and provide valuable protection for our wildlife," he said.

Police are to be given increased powers

He was speaking as he met those involved with tackling wildlife crime on a visit to Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday.

"Scotland will no longer be easy prey for wildlife criminals under our new plans to jail the worst offenders," said Mr Wallace.

"The Scottish Executive is committed to providing the police with a new power of arrest and the courts with the option to impose custodial sentences in wildlife crime offences.

"These new laws will help those who want to protect our natural heritage and provide a serious deterrent to wildlife criminals."

He said the bill was being fast-tracked because the executive recognised the need for stronger police powers.

"I want the message to be clear to those involved in wildlife crime - Scotland will be no easy touch," he said.