Loud music is a common cause of noise pollution

The Scottish Executive has issued a list of helpful hints to reduce noise pollution and make Scotland a "quieter and better place to live".

The move coincides with the annual Noise Action Day which aims to make everyone stop and think before making excessive noise.

Deputy environment minister Allan Wilson said noise pollution levels will fall if simple guidelines are followed.

These vary from the straightforward such as keeping the television and stereo turned down low, through to the less obvious "use underlay when laying laminate flooring".

Another tip is to "minimise barking by not leaving your dog alone".

'Simple steps'

The deputy minister said that the executive is considering an Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, which may include more powers to curb neighbourhood noise.

Mr Wilson said: "If everyone takes a few minutes to think about the noise they make, how it can affect others, and the noises that disturb them, we can seriously reduce the level of noise problems.

"We can make Scotland a quieter and better place to live by following these simple steps.

"That is why I am appealing to people across Scotland to think about what they can do to cut down on the noise pollution in communities throughout the country."