Police, community and religious leaders have called on Scotland to unite as it was revealed 64 religious and racially-motivated hate crimes have been committed across the country in the week since the terrorist attack in Paris.

Cases involve online, verbal and physical attacks, and Police Scotland said charges have been brought or are pending in 40 of the cases.

The figures do not specify attacks on particular religious groups but lawyer Aamer Anwar said there has been a "notable increase in hate crimes directed at Muslims" in the last seven days.

High-profile cases include an attack on a takeaway shop owner in Methil, Fife, a deliberate fire at an Islamic cultural centre in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, and online abuse directed at Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf.

Mr Anwar said there have also been reports of a young woman being called a "terrorist" in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, a mother and child attacked in Thornliebank, Glasgow, verbal abuse of school children in playgrounds, a group being abused in Glasgow Central station by train passengers and death threats directed at the Strathclyde University Muslim Students Association.

The lawyer was speaking at a press conference at Glasgow Central Mosque that brought together police, politicians and faith leaders from across the country.

He said: "The stakes are incredibly high and we look to civic Scotland for solidarity.

"We call on the people of Scotland to unite with the Muslim community and not let the terrorists and racists divide us.

"The Muslim community have absolute confidence in the zero-tolerance of hate crime by Police Scotland."

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said a number of cases reported to officers were a "direct result of what happened in Paris".

He added: "Since the dreadful events on Friday we have had a number of reports of racially and religiously motivated crime. When I left the office this morning, they were standing at 64.

"What I can say is that of those 64, in 40 cases we have identified who the culprits are and charges - if they have not already been brought - will be brought in due course.

"We're talking about less than a week and a number of the cases continue to have developments.

"We have noticed a number of incidents that are a direct result of what happened in Paris last Friday. They would not have happened if that attacks hadn't happened.

"Regardless of how it manifests itself, it won't be tolerated.

"We remain absolutely committed to finding the perpetrators of hate crime. There is no place in Scottish life for such behaviour and we encourage people to report cases to us."

Mr Livingstone said four men have now been charged over the attack in Methil on Mohammed Khalid.

A school visit to Glasgow Central Mosque has also been cancelled in the last week without explanation, it was said.

Jamil Moghul, of the mosque, said visitors were welcome any time and called for harmony.

"The fallout of these attacks have been felt worldwide and innocent Muslims have faced a fierce backlash, in part due to ignorance about Islam," he said.

"The general feeling is one of vulnerability and anxiety but we must all stand united together against Islamophobia to ensure Muslims are not victimised for the crimes of others."

Community Safety Minister Paul Wheelhouse praised people for highlighting discriminatory views on social media.

He said: "Scotland is a diverse, multicultural society and this is our strength. Terrorist attacks are designed to divide us but we are one Scotland, many cultures and that must continue to be the case.

"I know there is some anxiety about hate crime and prejudice against the Muslim community since the Paris attacks. Some ill-informed, ignorant people have made unacceptable comments whether in public or social media, and I'm pleased that in many cases their family and friends are holding them to account for expressing such views.

"There is absolutely no place for bigotry and prejudice in Scotland and this Government is clear that any form of hate crime is totally unacceptable and will be dealt with."

Representatives of other religious groups were also at the meeting in Glasgow Central Mosque.

Paul Morron, president of the Jewish Council of Scotland, said: "Let us all be clear, no matter what background we come from, the responsibility for what happened in Paris rests solely with the perpetrators of these atrocities and the people who trained and financed them.

"It has nothing to do with the Muslim community in Scotland and in no way is it any reflection on the members of the community.

"It is not acceptable for any reprisals to take pace against the Muslim community in Scotland. It is not their responsibility."

Rev Kelvin Holdsworth, of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: "About 300 years ago if you were in this city you will have heard of a congregation being torched and kicked out of their building - that was my congregation then.

"For that reason, I'm here to stand alongside those who feel at risk and those that feel vulnerably today. Religious violence is wrong.

"Here in this place, Muslims stand shoulder-to-shoulder each week praying for peace and we stand with them today."