Problem areas are being targeted in the drive against troublemakers

Sheriffs will be able to impose Community Reparation Orders on people convicted of less serious crimes.

The orders, which are to be trialled in Dundee, Inverness and Greenock, will force them to work between 10 and 100 hours for no pay.

The move is part of the flagship Anti-social Behaviour Bill. Community Service Orders exist for graver crimes.

The three trial areas have been chosen because they are a mix of urban and semi-rural populations. The pilots will begin in January 2005.

Speaking in Dundee, First Minister Jack McConnell said: "When we passed the Anti-social Behaviour Bill we were making a statement of intent.

'Misery must stop'

"We were saying that the reckless actions of the minority of people who bring misery to their community must stop.

"We were saying that we are on the side of decent, hard-working people who, for too long, have been the victims of anti-social behaviour.

"It will allow the courts to say that if you take something from your community then we will make you give something back.

"It sends out a message that all types of anti-social behaviour from petty vandalism to assault will be punished."

This is a smart option not a soft option Jack McConnell First Minister

Decisions on what type of work will be carried out will be taken by local authorities.

Mr McConnell said: "All the evidence suggests that punishment of this type is more likely to have an impact on re-offending.

"And if the offender fails to pay their full debt to the community, they will face further punishment. This is a smart option, not a soft option."

MSPs passed the Scottish Executive's Anti-social Behaviour Bill in June.

Ministers described the new law, which includes controversial powers to break up gangs, as a "defining moment" for the Scottish Parliament.

The legislation also covers the introduction of parenting orders, electronic tagging of under 16s and a ban on selling spray paint to youths.