AYRSHIRE has been chosen to trial a landmark pilot scheme that allows women and men to access information on their new partners’ offending history.

Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse is also being trialed in Aberdeen, for six months from Tuesday, November 25.

It will also be known as Clare's Law, named after Clare Brown, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Salford, Greater Manchester in 2009. She was unaware of his history of violence against women.

Clare's father, Michael Brown, who is originally from Aberdeen, has welcomed the scheme's introduction.

He said: "“We’ve already seen a successful pilot of Clare’s Law in England and Wales and the figures from Manchester in particular have been very positive, if somewhat bittersweet for me personally.

“This law is a victory for common sense and I am pleased to see a similar scheme now being piloted in Scotland.

“Should these endeavours save but one life here our efforts will have been worthwhile.” Mr Brown met Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, and Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson, on Friday, to help publicise the scheme.

Mr MacAskill said: "No-one should ever have to suffer the pain of losing a son or daughter to violence. The strength and courage Michael Brown has shown following his daughter’s death is truly remarkable and his hard work in leading the campaign for the development of a pilot scheme will help protect lives.

“Domestic abuse is an appalling crime and I believe that people in relationships should have the opportunity to seek the facts about their partner’s background if, for example, they have concerns that they might have a history of domestic abuse."