Life expectancy in Scotland remains the lowest in the UK, according to the latest figures.

A boy born in Scotland today can expect to live for 77.1 years – two years below the UK average.

A newborn girl has a life expectancy of 81.2, compared to a national average of 82.9.

People living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland all live longer than Scots.

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Life expectancy has risen steadily over the last three decades, however, up by around eight years for Scottish men and almost six years for women as the gap between men and women has closed.

Tim Ellis, the registrar general of Scotland, said: “Whilst it is good news that people in Scotland are living longer, recent trends show the increase in life expectancy has been slowing in Scotland as well as the rest of the UK.”

By 2039, experts believe men in Scotland will live an average of 82.3 years, while women will live to around 85.

Public health Minister Aileen Campbell acknowledged the Scottish Government “needs to do more” to tackle health and social inequality.

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“We’re taking action to address to the underlying causes – ending poverty, fair wages, supporting families and improving the environments we live in,” she said.

“Scottish Government measures such as driving investment in affordable housing, increasing free school meals and continuing commitments like free prescriptions, concessionary travel and free personal care, are the right approach to take.

“This is coupled with decisive action to address alcohol consumption, reduce smoking rates, encourage active living, healthy eating, and investment to improve mental health services.”

She said the Scottish Government has “invested over £350m to mitigate UK Government welfare reform”, including the “bedroom tax”.