The number of High Court trials being delayed has risen sharply over the past four years, according to the Scottish National Party.

The SNP's justice spokeswoman Roseanna Cunningham claims that the hold-ups have increased threefold.

She says this is denting public confidence and giving the impression that justice is not being done.

However, Scotland's prosecution service said it was already looking at ways of tackling the delays.

Roseanna Cunningham raised concerns

Ms Cunningham acknowledged that the number of cases going to High Court had increased by 25% over the past four years.

However, she said there had been a 300% increase in delays during the same period.

She suspects that the Crown Office is under pressure in terms of resources and claims there is a feeling that the justice system is creaking at the seams.

Reasons for the delays include witnesses, particularly experts, being unavailable, and the non-appearance of the accused.

Ms Cunninghgam said this gave rise to the impression that justice was not being done.

And she said the Scottish Executive had to address the problem sooner rather than later.

The Crown Office said it was aware of the figures and was already examining ways to tackle the problem.

The prosecution service said Lord Bonomy was examining the issue, and stressed that no cases were being lost.