Scots are more likely to prioritise having internet or a mobile telephone over ensuring financial security if they became seriously ill, according to research.

Thousands of Scottish households would be unable to survive financially if they unexpectedly lost their income due to illness, however most do not believe critical illness cover is essential.

Research from insurance firm Scottish Widows reveals a significant percentage of Scots would be forced to dip into savings to make ends meet if they became critically ill, while a fifth admit they are not sure how long they would be able to cope with mortgage payments.

Johnny Timpson, protection expert at Scottish Widows, encouraged Scots to stop sticking their head in the sane when it comes to securing their finances.

He said: "While none of us ever want to think about the worst, our findings show that there are an alarming number of households who could face a significant financial struggle in the event of an unexpected loss of income.

"No matter what our personal circumstances, it’s vital for all of us to ensure we have an appropriate plan in place to protect our finances, helping avoid the need to dip into our savings, which could present even greater challenges further down the line."

The research reveals that one in five (20 per cent) Scottish households would be unable to survive financially if they unexpectedly lost their income due due to long-term illness and incapacity.

Despite this, for many taking out life or critical illness cover comes way down in their list of priorities.

Scots are more likely to priorities other bills over insurance cover, with 80 per cent considering internet connection as essential compared to just 32 per cent who think it's essential to provide security for dependents if they become critically ill.

A total of 69 per cent also see a mobile phone as an essential, while just 43 per cent think it's essential to provide security for dependents if they die.

Scottish Widows, who say the figures point to "apathy", claim they are backed up in protection take-up rates as only 39 per cent of people in Scotland have life insurance and just one in ten have taken out critical illness cover.

Instead, a third admit they would resort to dipping into their savings if they found themselves in a position where they or their partner were unable to work.

However, 22 per cent of households could only pay their bills for a maximum of three months, while 27 per cent could only make three monthly mortgage payments.

Despite being acutely aware of their lack of financial provisions, 9 per cent of the population would still cut back on life insurance spending if they had to make cuts to their outgoings, while one in ten would reduce spending on critical illness cover.

The research comes just days after unemployment in Scotland rose for the third time in a row, with the jobless total increasing by 8000 between January and March to stand at 169,000.

The unemployment rate north of the border is now 6.2%, compared with 5.1% for the whole of the UK.

Employment in Scotland fell by 53,000 over the three months to March to stand at 2,578,000. The rate is now 73.1% - below the UK average of 74.2%.