Number of children in care across Scotland rises to almost 16,000

These include children living at home or with foster carers, as well as those in residential care.

Children's minister Adam Ingram said: "These figures show that while more children are becoming looked after, this is happening earlier in their lives.

"This shows our policies to provide the earliest possible support to children and families are starting to have an impact.

"As looked-after children are among the most vulnerable members of our society we must do what we can to improve their lives and life opportunities.

"Finally, it's important to recognise that while the number of looked-after children has risen, this appears to be due to more young people being looked after for longer.

"This can mean that they are continuing to be looked after without a clear path to a permanent placement. We have been exploring how best we tackle these issues and will be announcing action in the coming weeks."

Meanwhile, a new centre of excellence to improve the lives of children in care is to be established in Scotland, Mr Ingram has announced.

The centre, to be based at the University of Strathclyde, will provide training for those working with such children, support colleges and universities in helping them into ongoing education, and consult children on how services should be shaped.

Romy Langeland, independent chair of the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care which will be transformed into the new centre of excellence, said: "We recognise there is already a great deal of important work being undertaken to improve a child's experiences throughout their journey within the care system."