The disc lets children see how courts work

The CD-Rom features scenes filmed in court with a real sheriff, outlining procedures such as giving evidence by video-link or from behind a screen.

It covers criminal courts and children's hearings as well as giving advice for vulnerable adult witnesses.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said he hoped the user-friendly pack would make a real difference.

Being a witness is never easy, and clearly children and young people will have their own particular concerns about the experience Elish Angiolini Solicitor General

He added: "The giving of evidence is an anxious and difficult prospect for most people, even more so when the witness is a child.

"We will continue to support those involved in the court process to allow them to give their best evidence."

The advice pack was welcomed by the Solicitor General, Elish Angiolini QC.

She said: "Being a witness is never easy, and clearly children and young people will have their own particular concerns about the experience.

Child witnesses can give evidence by video link

"Young witnesses will then be in a better position, together with their guardian, to reach an informed view about the use of special measures when they come to give evidence at court."

Anne Houston, director of the charity ChildLine Scotland, urged the Scottish Executive to adopt a system already operating in South Africa.

She said: "They would go somewhere outwith the court that was set up which had cameras so that people could see what happened in the room.

"But also there would be an intermediary in the room, someone who was trained in communicating with children and young people.

'Avoid confusion'

"They could put questions to them in a way which doesn't confuse them and helps them tell things as they experienced them, which assists in getting the truth into the court system."

Sheriff Frank Crowe, who featured in the courtroom scenes filmed at Falkirk Sheriff Court, said: "I was pleased to be involved in this initiative as the CD-Rom will give all court users an idea of the procedures likely to take place in court."

The executive CD-Rom and booklets have been backed by ChildLine Scotland, Victim Support Scotland and NCH Scotland.

The Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act currently applies to child witnesses in High Court and Sheriff Court jury trials and children's hearings.