MORE than 100,000 Scots are falling behind with mortgage or rent payments each month and are going into debt to keep a roof over their heads.

A survey by Shelter found 138,000 Scots missed a mortgage or rent payment last year, while a similar number said they had to take a payday loan to make ends meet.

One in five people north of the Border said paying their mortgage or rent was a constant struggle – equivalent to around 725,000 people when projected nationally – while only 38% said they were keeping up without difficulty.

According to the charity's figures, around 7.8 million Britons overall are struggling to keep up with their rent or mortgage payments.

Gordon MacRae, head of communications and policy at Shelter Scotland, said: "It's shocking to think that so many families will be starting the New Year with a huge weight hanging over them, trapped in a struggle to keep their home.

"Payday loans may seem like a quick fix, but the huge interest charges mean things quickly spiral out of control. It's vital to get advice now."