INSPECTORS slammed “unacceptable” rape services in Scotland yesterday, saying that many victims were let down by officials.

The review by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) called for urgent action as Scotland lags “well behind” the rest of Britain when it comes to providing facilities which meet both the needs of the victims and forensic requirements.

Inspectors also highlighted the shortage of services, particularly in rural areas, forcing victims to travel long distances or be examined in police stations.

The HMICS spoke of “committed and dedicated professionals” working to deliver high-quality forensic medical examinations but said victims were being “let down” by the standard of service available.

“Adult victims of sexual crime continue to undergo forensic medical examinations in police buildings in many areas of Scotland,” the report said.

“This is not victim-centred or considered effective practice.”

HMICS assistant inspector of constabulary Gill Imery, who led the review, said: “Sexual crimes have a devastating effect on victims and so it is imperative that the support they receive, both from health and criminal justice professionals, is high-quality and consistent irrespective of where they live.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said that “more needs to be done to create a consistently high standard of service across Scotland.”

The Scottish government said an expert group is being established to drive improvements in the provision of health services for sexual assault victims, and new national standards for forensic examinations of victims will be introduced.

Rape Crisis Scotland’s Sandy Brindley said that her organisation has had “significant concerns” about the response to the “immediate needs of people in Scotland who have been raped or sexually assaulted.”

Ms Brindley said she hoped the establishment of a new group would lead to “meaningful change.”