Image caption Almost a quarter of violent offences in Scotland happen in or near pubs, clubs and bars

Almost 60% of all violent crime in Scotland takes place at the weekend, official figures have revealed.

And researchers said 22% of violent offences happened in or around pubs, clubs and bars.

But the survey found the risk of being the victim of any crime in Scotland fell from 19.3% in 2009/10 to 17.8% in 20010/11.

About 13,000 people were interviewed as part of the annual Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.

The statistics revealed that 57% of violent crime took place at the weekend, with 46% taking place on Saturday and Sunday between 18:00 and 06:00.

The report also underlines the link between alcohol and violent crime, with 63% of the offenders being under the influence of alcohol at the time.

But overall, researchers found that the risk of crime in Scotland was lower than in England and Wales - 17.8% compared to 21.5% - and the chances of being a victim have fallen for the second year in a row.

The number of recorded crimes also fell by 16% or 171,000 in the two years between 2008/9 and 2010/11 and those interviewed for the survey said that they felt "more positive" about the general crime rate in their area.

'Deep cuts'

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the survey got "to the heart" of how people perceived crime and felt safer in their homes.

"Scotland is becoming safer. Violent crime is down, fewer Scots are likely to become victims of crime and the risk of crime in lower in Scotland than in England and Wales," he said.

"Against the backdrop of deep cuts in public spending by successive UK governments, we have invested to create stronger communities and a safer Scotland.

"We know the statistics are moving in the right direction and we will continue to work hard to make our communities better places to live."

Other findings in the report include: