Eight test sites focused on tackling health inequalities through local public service delivery have been announced by the Public Health Minister.

It is hoped that the test sites will help demonstrate how better delivery of public services can have a positive impact on people's life chances, health and wellbeing.

Visiting the new test site at Whitecrook in Clydebank which will focus on addressing smoking, Shona Robison stressed: "No child should be born to fail, or condemned to a life of poor health and poverty, just because of where they were born or their family's circumstances.

"In a 21st century Scotland, I believe it's shameful that, for instance, life expectancy for men in one of the most deprived areas of Scotland is 13 years lower than the national average.

"That's why we need a radical rethink of how we deliver public services to ensure that they meet the needs of everyone in Scotland, particularly those from deprived communities."

She suggested the test sites would be "key" in taking forward the recommendations from the 'Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities' and towards an implementation plan.

COSLA health and wellbeing spokesperson Ronnie McColl suggested the test sites will "give us an important insight into the causes of health inequalities in different communities across Scotland.

"It is vital that we are able to learn from this exercise and use the knowledge we gain to build new service models. In so doing, we hope to improve the way that individuals engage with local public services, particularly for clients who are most at risk of poor health and wellbeing."

The test sites will include Govanhill focusing on street level community regeneration; Fife looking at anti-social behaviour in relation to alcohol and underage drinking; Dundee reviewing methods of improving wellbeing; and North Lanarkshire focusing on sustained unemployment and barriers to finding employment.

East Lothian, Blairgowrie and Glasgow City have also been announced as test sites.

However, Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon has voiced her disappointment that the test sites do not include a remote and rural area, and has urged them to reconsider.