AROUND 65,000 Scots aged 60 and over feel lonelier during the festive period, according to figures from Age Scotland.

Reasons for the findings, which show that more than 54,000 older Scots will spend Christmas alone, include bereavement, immobility and a lack of family nearby.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is backing the charity's campaign 'no-one should have no-one at Christmas', which hopes to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, but at this time of year it’s especially heart-breaking to see that so many older Scots will spend Christmas alone.

"Age Scotland’s work to ensure that ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ is vitally important, and everyone can play a part.

"By reaching out to older people in their street or community – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – people can have a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of an older person."

Age Scotland has published new figures showing the reality of loneliness amongst older people at this time of year, with 200,000 older Scots going half a typical week or more with no visits or phone calls from anyone.

The overwhelming majority of 86 per cent of those surveyed also agreed that there should be more help available for lonely older people. 

Age Scotland has welcomed a pledge from the Scottish Government to develop a national strategy to tackle loneliness in Scotland which could be the first such plan anywhere in the world. 

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, added: "It is often life events such as bereavement, ill health and complex long term health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis – all more common in later life – that give rise to feelings of loneliness and which if left unaddressed can cause long-term misery.

"As part of our No one should have no one at Christmas campaign, we’re asking people to check on older neighbours and perhaps even see if they need a helping hand.

"Small gestures, like going round for a cuppa, or clearing paths of snow or ice and showing you are concerned, can provide comfort and aid to older people."

The national freephone telephone helpline at 0800 12 44 222 is available for older people, their families and carers, and offers friendship and contact as well as information and advice.