Revised legislation will make it easier for councillors to take paid leave, according to the Scottish Government.

It has changed rules to enable local authorities to be more flexible in their pay structures when granting time off.

The updated regulations aim to make it easier to take family, maternity or paternity leave, as well as allowing councils to boost the salaries of those covering for senior elected officials during a period of time off.

Local government minister Kevin Stewart said: "Anyone should be able to be a councillor.

"By making it easier for councillors to get paid leave of absence, we hope to encourage a wider range of people to seek election, including more women and younger people so that councils can better reflect the society we live in."

Alison Evison, president of local authority body Cosla, also welcomed the changes, hoping people who had previously been frozen out of running for office would now consider the move.

She said: "The role of being a councillor and having the privilege of representing your community should be open to all but previously the legislation has meant that those requiring maternity, paternity, adoption or any other leave whilst in office may have been financially disadvantaged.

"Some people may have been unable to stand for election in the first place as a result and others may have had to stand down from office.

"We hope that this enables more individuals to consider standing for or staying in local government."