Revealed: The murder capital of Scotland

The area witnessed more killings in 2010/11 than the whole of Lothian and Borders sees in a typical year, and almost five times that of Grampian.

The 14 murders in South Lanarkshire's Q division over 12 months, which included culpable homicides, represented a 366 per cent rise on the previous year.

By comparison Lothian and Borders police typically see 12 murders a year - although that region, too, has witnessed a recent spike - while Grampian has risen from two to four.

Police admitted the murder levels in the division were "unprecedented".

The killing of promising student Reamonn Gormley, 19, brought particular grief to the area, with hundreds taking to the streets to march in support of his family.

Daryn Maxwell, 22, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide, which the prosecution did not accept, and will now stand trial for murder. Mr Gormley's death in Glasgow Road, Blantyre, on 1 February, was the eighth within one mile of that spot in just 18 months.

It triggered the launch of a Campaign for Change by locals, calling for the restoration of traditional community values, better resources for young people, and tougher sentencing for violent crime, including mandatory jail terms for carrying a knife and a minimum of 25 years for murder with a blade.

The group has 343 supporters on Facebook and 23 followers on Twitter.

One tweet admitted that the facts make "awful reading". "But these r the facts - what's going on in OUR communities." (sic)

Police have also launched a crackdown on violent crime in the region.

Inspector Caroline Logan said: "The enforcement phase of this campaign has seen officers directly target those individuals in the community who are known to be violent offenders or weapons carriers.

"The support of local people is vital to our work and we are grateful for the information we've received so far from concerned members of the community.

"Our activities throughout this campaign send out a powerful message that violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to proactively target those in the minority who create misery and fear, using all legitimate means available to us.

"With the support of our local communities we can continue to make South Lanarkshire a safer place."

The police operation has seen 47 people searched for offensive weapons, and although none were found, drugs, cash and alcohol were confiscated, and a number of people were arrested and charged.

Foster mum Dawn McKenzie, 34, became Q division's latest murder case when she was stabbed to death in her Hamilton home last month, while in April young chef Paul Douglass was murdered outside a block of flats.

Blantyre MSP and Scottish Labour's community safety spokesman James Kelly said the sharp rise was "disturbing" and called for tougher sentences for people who carry knives.

He said: "We need to end the culture that is claiming too many innocent Scots' lives.

"We need to end the perception that it's OK to walk our streets carrying a knife and where kids feel they need a knife for their own protection.

"I believe that we must continue to press for tougher action on sentencing so that those who carry knives are clear that they face the threat of a prison term."Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina McKelvie added: "The unprecedented number of lives lost to murder in South Lanarkshire last year has undoubtedly shocked and shaken communities as well as devastated the family and friends of the victims.

"It's a matter of real concern that I take very seriously."

Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell said: "This is a really dramatic increase and deeply worrying. My heart goes out to the victims, families and friends."

Superintendent Elaine Ferguson, of South Lanarkshire division, said: "The number of murders in South Lanarkshire last year was unprecedented for the area and, though it's of no comfort to the family and friends left behind, those responsible have all been arrested and reported to the procurator fiscal.

"Action plans that are used to address specific concerns such as violent crime, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour are commonplace within the area and have been successful in arresting a number of offenders."