The number of homeless people dying in Scotland has risen, according to official statistics.

Statistics published by The National Records of Scotland (NRS) indicate that 256 people died whilst homeless in 2020 – a rise of 40 deaths when compared to the previous year.

Over half of the deaths (151) were drug related, with no deaths where the underlying cause was Covid-19.

A total of 8% were due to circulatory diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, with 5% due to cancers.