A record number of Scots were accepted to a UK university in 2017, new figures show.

More than 36,500 applicants living in Scotland accepted a place for this academic year, an increase of 2.4% at more than 850.

All other UK countries had a fall in the number of people accepted to university.

The figures were released on Monday by Ucas in their first End of Cycle Report 2017.

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

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.”

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She added: “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.”