Litter fines could be increased as part of a new drive to tackle the problem, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said.

Increasing the current £50 amount people have to pay in fixed penalty notices for littering and fly tipping is to be consulted on.

Mr Lochhead said he would find out if raising the fine would he "helpful".

Scotland's first national litter strategy is being developed, with proposals for consultation due in the summer.

The Scottish Government said it is keen to tackle the problem before the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup next year.

The recent Scottish Household Survey found about a quarter of people believe that litter is a problem in their community.

Mr Lochhead said: "I want our national litter strategy to achieve a clean, safe environment for people who live in and visit Scotland where littering is no longer acceptable. The strategy we consult on will be a package of measures to encourage people not to litter or flytip."

Speaking at a litter summit in Edinburgh, he said: "Litter costs local authorities, transport providers and other businesses millions to clean up, and we all pay for it. We can each take personal responsibility for disposing of waste responsibly and avoid this unnecessary and expensive eyesore.

"I encourage councils and the police to use their existing powers to issue litter and flytipping FPNs (fixed penalty notices) and I will consult on whether it would be helpful if the level was raised from £50. Over the next few months we will work with local authorities and others to identify what the consultation should propose."

Councillor Stephen Hagan, sustainability spokesman for local government body Cosla, said: "Scottish local authorities want to see as much litter as possible being prevented. A significant amount of local authority resources are spent tackling litter issues and, at a time of severe financial constraint, if costs can be avoided, this would not only improve the environment but allow investment of these resources in the delivery of services.

"This development of a National Litter Strategy provides an opportunity to engage and explore the ways in which everyone can work together to reduce litter across Scotland."

Zero Waste Scotland, which works to help individuals, businesses and communities reduce waste, said the national strategy is a new opportunity to reduce litter.

"We know that the everyday problem of litter affects our streets, communities and environment. As if this wasn't bad enough, Scotland wastes millions in clearing and cleaning this up and in lost value of discarded materials that could be recycled," director Iain Gulland said.

"The forthcoming national strategy will be a new opportunity to address litter in a variety of ways and the delivery of Zero Waste Scotland will continue to be central to the recommendations to come."