A record number of Scots were accepted to UK universities in 2017, according to new figures published by UCAS.

More than 36,500 Scottish domiciled applicants accepted a university place for this academic year — an increase of more than 850 or 2.4%.

All other UK countries saw a decrease in the number of their residents accepted to university.

The figures were released by UCAS in its first End of Cycle Report 2017.

The report also shows a record number of all applicants accepted to Scottish higher education institutions in 2017 – up 1.7%.

The Scottish Government’s Further and Higher Education Minister, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “It is great to see that Scotland is bucking the trend across the UK, with more of our prospective students securing a place at university.

“This follows on from the record numbers last year.

“It shows that our education system is supporting an increasing number of people to access higher education – giving them the skills they need to succeed.

“This is also another record year for Scotland’s universities, with the highest ever number of applicants accepted to study here.

“It is testament to the fact that Scotland remains a destination of choice for students, due in no small part to the reputation for excellence that our institutions have worked hard to achieve.”