Public education is needed to improve understanding of hate crime in Scotland, a report has recommended.

The independent advisory group on hate crime, prejudice and community cohesion, set up by the Scottish Government last year, said the issue is a "priority concern for the whole of society" to deal with.

It said every primary and secondary school must play a role in tackling the issue and called for talks on how to better protect victims of hate crime on public transport.

Statistics released in June showed hate crimes in Scotland were rising, with the number of anti-Islamic hate crimes almost doubling in a year.

The group's report noted public education was needed to improve recognition of when hate crimes have taken place.

It said sometimes "neither victim nor perpetrator recognise their experience or actions to be based on, or driven by, hate".

There was also a call for the Scottish Government to work with public transport companies to consider how to protect victims of hate crime on public transport.

All primary and secondary schools should be encouraged to use the Curriculum for Excellence to address hate crime and prejudice, it added.

Duncan Morrow, chairman of the independent advisory group, said hate crimes were an "all too real" issue which left people isolated from society.

"We know that this issue is taken very seriously in Scotland but we heard from too many that reported hate crime is only part of the story," he said.

"Our recommendations include recommendations to the Government and for criminal justice agencies, including the police.

"However, addressing the underlying issue means sharing the responsibility more widely. Schools and teachers are often in the front line.

"Community services at local level can have an important influence. Youth workers, transport providers and community organisations are often in a position to act more immediately and more effectively."

Equalities minister Angela Constance said: "I welcome the work that the advisory group has done in producing this report, which contains important messages that we should all reflect on.

"The Scottish Government is committed to doing all that we can to prevent and eradicate hate crime and prejudice, and build community cohesion.

"Let me be clear - there is absolutely no place for bigotry and prejudice in Scotland."

She added: "As a nation, we have a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, and we are committed to supporting their integration into our communities.

"That has assumed even more importance in the aftermath of the EU referendum, when it is vital that we send a message that Scotland remains a welcoming place for all those who have chosen to make this country their home.

"However, I recognise that there is still progress to be made and we will be carefully considering the recommendations from the advisory group in full."