Sixteen-year-olds should be allowed to run for election to Scotland's councils, leaders of Solidarity have suggested.

The left-wing party, set up by former MSP Tommy Sheridan, said the move would end "confusion" caused by the difference in the voting age and the minimum age for candidates.

While those aged 16 and above are eligible to vote in local government elections, current regulations require candidates must be aged at least 18.

Bill Mair, Solidarity's national co-secretary, said: "I was in a meeting recently with elected politicians from a number of parties and activists when the subject of voting eligibility for Scottish elections came up.

"There was confusion in the room on the age criterion. If we as politicians are unclear, it's unsurprising that young people might not be aware that they have a voice.

"We need not only to publicise widely that the voting age is 16, but also to lower the minimum age for candidates correspondingly."