Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has indicated he could adopt new safeguards to protect the criminal justice system if the centuries-old rule of corroboration is scrapped.

The rule, unique to Scotland, ensures all key evidence presented in a criminal prosecution is backed by two sources.

Removing the rule was among recommendations by Lord Carloway in a package of measures intended to reform Scots law.

Mr MacAskill is calling on all interested parties to highlight any additional safeguards they think need to be put in place. The consultation has just over one week to run.