The Scottish Government said a record number of Scottish students have secured a place at university and that successful applications by students from the country’s most deprived areas also at their highest ever level.

Holyrood cited UCAS statistics published on A-level results day.

Compared to this stage last year, the number of Scottish applicants accepted to Scottish institutions increased by 4% from 29,120 to 30,400 and acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland increased by 5% from 4,060 to 4,280.

Minister for Further, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Scotland has a world class higher education system and one that will always be based on the principles of being free, fair and funded.

“The latest UCAS figures show a really positive picture for Scotland’s students, with a record number gaining entry to university.

“It is also extremely heartening to see record levels of individuals from more deprived areas in Scotland gaining access to university.

“This is really positive news and this Scottish Government will continue to do all that we can to widen access and ensure all of our young people get an equal chance to go to university.”