More than a third of Scots would be unwilling to adopt a child whose mother had abused drink or drugs during their pregnancy, while a quarter say they would not take on a child with disabilities.

A total of 39% of the 183 people questioned in Scotland by ICM Research said they would prefer to adopt a single child rather than a sibling from a group.

The British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) carried out the research to mark National Adoption Week.

The charity says there is an "urgent need" for adults willing to adopt children who have been waiting longest for a home.

BAAF director, Barbara Hudson, said: "Our research shows that 45% of Scottish people would prefer to adopt a baby. This National Adoption Week we are asking the public to keep an open mind, and see the individual child.

"The reality is that although there are babies and very young children who need adopting, many will face considerable challenges.

"Also, while our research shows that people in Scotland say they would be more prepared to adopt a disabled child or a sibling group than the overall UK population, we know that in reality these are among the children waiting the longest for new families."

"We know from existing adoptive families that it can be hard work, but the rewards are huge. This is a chance to transform a child's life forever," she added.

A total of 42% of people in the UK said they would prefer to adopt a single child and 38% said they would be unwilling to adopt a child with disabilities compared to 26% in Scotland.

People who were already parents were far more likely to adopt a child with behavioural problems, but 22% of the survey group said they would not adopt a child over the age of five.