An MSP has launched a bid to increase the age at which children can be held responsible for crimes they have committed.

Liberal Democrat Alison McInnes wants to see the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland rise from eight years - which she says is "woefully outdated" - to the age of 12.

In a bid to bring about the change she has put forward amendments to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.

Ms McInnes has also written to Justice Secretary Michael Matheson on the issue, arguing that the law as it stands means it is possible for children as young as eight to get a criminal record.

This could "limit their opportunities" in later life and is both "inappropriate and destructive", the Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman added.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the age of criminal responsibility - when a child is considered capable of committing a crime and old enough to stand trial and be convicted of an offence - is set higher at 10 years old.

But Ms McInnes argued that 12 years old is the "absolute minimum" expected by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

In Scotland children can be prosecuted in the courts from the age of 12, but youngsters aged eight and above can be referred to a children's hearing - where decisions made can become part of a criminal record.

Ms McInnes said: "The law, as it currently stands, is woefully outdated in its perception of children's capacity to make decisions, understand and be deemed responsible for their actions. It is not a fair or progressive reflection of the emotional, mental and intellectual maturity of young children."

She added: "I understand from Barnardo's and other organisations that there are occasions when referrals to children's hearings on offence grounds cause a child of just eight or nine to obtain a criminal record.

"This could limit their opportunities for life and is an inappropriate and destructive response the law should prevent. It strikes me that anything less would be incompatible with the Scottish Government's 'getting it right for every child' agenda.

"Scotland has the youngest age of criminal responsibility in Europe and has fallen a long way behind international best practice. Criminalising children as young as eight has 'long tarnished' our international reputation, according to Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People."

The Lib Dem MSP argued: "Children at risk of falling into destructive patterns of behaviour need to be supported, not prosecuted. Early intervention is key to ensuring that we help children get on in life. The current rules allow for children as young as eight to get a criminal record. That cannot be right.

"My amendment would ensure that children are treated like children, not criminals. Barnardo's, the Scottish Human Rights Commission and more have all raised concerns over the current age of criminal responsibility. The time for change is now.

"This is an important opportunity to demonstrate that Scotland is committed to upholding human rights and I hope that the Scottish Government will back this progressive move."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "In 2010 we changed the law so no one under the age of 12 can ever be prosecuted in the criminal courts. The change raised the minimum age of prosecution from the age of eight which we considered to be too low.

"Children aged between eight and 11 facing allegations of having committed an offence can be dealt with by the children's hearing system, which takes an approach centred on the child's welfare and best interests.

"The age of criminal responsibility remains under active consideration and the policy, legislative and procedural implications of a change in Scotland are complex. Consideration is ongoing and has centred on police investigatory powers, forensic sampling, disclosure and risk management into adulthood, along with developing responses to concerns around victims and community confidence.

"There is a particular need to retain confidence where eight to 11-year-olds are involved in the most serious violent or sexual cases. Further consultation will be required on any future change in respect of minimum age."