THE family of slain schoolgirl Paige Doherty have claimed victory in their campaign to ensure the bodies of murder victims are returned to ­families sooner.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) revealed it has introduced a new protocol which aims to reduce the time families have to wait before they can lay a loved one to rest.

Pathologists instructed by the Crown and defence services will now consult on whether a second post-mortem is necessary, giving the defence the option to forgo the examination.

It’s a move the 15-year-old’s mum Pamela Munro said would have “meant the world” to her family following the teen’s brutal murder in March 2016.

She told the Evening Times: “If we had her back sooner, we could’ve had an open coffin and got to say goodbye properly so it would have meant the world.

“I think anything that helps victims families is great because it takes some of the stress away of wondering [when the body will be returned].

“Obviously in cases where there is no person convicted or other circumstances then a second post-mortem is necessary, but for a clear-cut case it should be done in a certain amount time so families can begin to grieve.”

The Crown office, who consulted with with the Law Society of Scotland, the Faculty of Advocates, and the Royal College of Pathologists in its review, said the concerns of families, such as the Munros, had “informed the development” of the move.

Anthony McGeehan, procurator fiscal for policy and engagement, said: “The loss of a loved one is a distressing time for families and we know that this can be exacerbated by delays to being able to arrange a funeral. The new protocol endeavours to ensure that post-mortem examinations are only conducted where necessary and loved ones are returned to their family as quickly as possible.

“This promotes the interests of the victims of crime within the criminal justice system whilst preserving potential criminal proceedings and the rights of the accused.”

However, the family of Paul Mathieson, who waiting six months to lay the 37-year-old to rest after his death in January following an incident in Renfrew town centre, say it is not enough.

Sister Amanda Digby said: “While it is a positive step it is not exactly what we were hoping for. It is good that they have made that step and it, in theory, will make the process quicker.

“My concern is how will it be implemented in Scotland as we have a lack of resources. That means, in reality, ­families will still have to wait.” She added: “We are hoping that we can avoid families like ourselves from going through the same kind of suffering that we did. If we can do that, we will continue to build on Paul’s legacy.”

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson, who has campaigned on behalf of Paige’s family since her murder, agrees and has revealed he plans to present a bill to demand a timescale in which the examinations can be carried out.

He said: “It would be churlish not to welcome anything that will improve the current system. However, the new protocol lacks transparency.

“The protocol relies on good practice, which I contend should have taken place in the past but didn’t. Therefore, I’m pushing ahead to consult on a draft bill I’ve been working on for close to two years.”