The group will look at issues related to prostitution

The expert group was formed when the Scottish Parliament voted against proposals by the Independent MSP Margo MacDonald to allow local authorities to set up specially designated "tolerance zones" for prostitutes.

Ms MacDonald's member's bill, which was rejected in February, would have let councils set up areas where the legal duty to prevent soliciting was suspended.

Supporters said it would have made street prostitution safer and more manageable but critics said it could lead to a rise in crime and amount to legalisation.

The expert group on prostitution will examine a range of legal, health and social issues relating to prostitution, before reporting to the executive in a year's time.

'Oldest profession'

The group is being chaired by a former assistant chief constable of Strathclyde Police Sandra Hood.

She told BBC Radio Scotland that the group had agreed on its remit.

She said: "During the initial stage we're going to look at street prostitution and its many aspects across Scotland.

"Following that we'll make a report back to the executive on these recommendations within a year."

Membership of the group draws on expertise from the fields of medicine, academia, the legal profession, health and local authorities, and voluntary and charitable organisations.

Ms MacDonald, a list MSP for the Lothians, will also sit on the group.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: "We are looking for a new approach for dealing with the oldest profession.