Estimates suggest more than a quarter of Scots had given their time to volunteer in 2021.

Charities in Scotland have welcomed a new report which shows the number of people volunteering across the country is holding steady. 

Despite challenging circumstances, Scottish charities and community groups have seen a small increase in volunteer numbers on the previous year, the Scottish Household Survey reported. 

The latest research - covering 2021 - asked respondents about their volunteering activity, finding that 27% of Scots had given their time to support charities or organisations. 

In the previous year’s report, the figure was 26%.

The British Red Cross - who work with around 35,000 volunteers across Scotland in roles including emergency response, ambulance support and refugee services - welcomed the figures, underlining the importance of volunteering. 

Rob Murray, Scotland director for the British Red Cross, said: “It’s really encouraging to see people giving their time, skills and enthusiasm to support others by volunteering. 

“Times have been tough for many of us in recent years, but despite the challenges around the pandemic recovery, people in Scotland clearly want to do what they can to help. That’s doubly important as we face an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“There are countless ways to make a meaningful impact in your spare time, whether that’s by helping out at a school or hospital, being a listening ear for someone on a telephone support line, working in a charity shop or connecting with people who might be feeling lonely or isolated. And many volunteers say they get as much as they give from the experience.

“It’s heartening to see so many people who want to help out in our communities.”