The sister of a murdered man has pleaded to be allowed to bury him after Scotland's post-mortem rules prevented the release of his body for months. 

Paul Mathieson, 37, was found with serious facial injuries in Wilson Street, Renfrew, on January 14.

He died in hospital six days later.

His family waited until May 29 for an arrest in connection with the death after being told that his body would not be handed over until this happened.

READ MORE: Man arrested and charged following death of Renfrew dad Paul Mathieson

However, they face an additional wait of up to nine weeks before Mr Mathieson's body is released for a funeral.

In Scotland, a murder victim's body must be released by the procurator fiscal before arrangements can take place, with time given to an arrested person's defence lawyer for a second post-mortem examination.

Paul's sister, Amanda Digby, 36, told BBC Scotland News that there should be a change in the law to allow funerals to happen sooner.

She said: "It's been hellish if I am honest.

"It's horrible enough what's happened but I think having a funeral is your closure and you can start to move on once you've had the proceedings.

"But this has put a halt to that. We still need to see the funeral through and it has stopped us from grieving and being able to move on."

READ MORE: Appeal for information 10 weeks on from murder of Paul Mathieson

Ms Digby said Scotland should bring in a similar system to the one in place in England and Wales.

There, if no-one has been charged and the police do not expect to make an arrest within 28 days, the coroner will arrange for a second post-mortem to be carried out by an independent pathologist.

A review of the Scottish system was ordered in February.

Justice Secretary Michael Mathieson said legal officials were "currently working with forensic pathologists on a revised post-mortem examination protocol".

A Crown Office spokesman said: "In law, the defence have a right to instruct a post-mortem examination on behalf on an accused person.

"We can confirm that COPFS is currently working with forensic pathologists on a revised post-mortem examination protocol that may reduce the number of post-mortem examinations instructed by the defence."

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after man dies a week after 'brutal' beating

Jamie Anderson, 36, from Paisley, was charged with murder at Paisley Sheriff Court on May 30.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody.