Fixed marriage figures shock

A THIRD of Lothians residents know someone affected by forced marriage, the Scottish Government has said.

An online survey found 70 per cent of people supported stricter measures on forced marriage, and felt that it had no place in Scottish society.

The figures showing the extent to which people are familiar with a victim of the issue are higher than expected.

Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Forcing someone into marriage is a brutal process. Sadly we know people who refuse are often subjected to abuse, assault, captivity or even worse.

"This is a serious abuse of human rights and has no place in 21st century Scotland."