MORE than half a million Scots had to borrow money to buy food and thousands more used a loan or credit card to pay their utility bills, according to a survey.

The Debt Advisory Centre Scotland said the soaring cost of food, gas and electricity was meaning that many people were using credit cards to make ends meet.

One in 10 Scots borrowed money to buy food in July, although the rate rose to one in five 18 to 24-year-olds, while 4% borrowed money to pay for heating and electricity that month - despite the relatively warm summer.

Ian Williams, of Debt Advisory Centre Scotland, said there was concern people would easily slip into debt if they struggled to pay off credit card balances.

He said: "The fact that so many people are having to borrow to meet their utility bills during the summer - when heating bills are usually lower - could signal real trouble approaching this winter. Most of us need to borrow a little money from time to time, but borrowing to pay for essentials such as food and utilities could be a sign that you are struggling financially."

Citizens Advice Scotland's chief executive Margaret Lynch said that the group's evidence suggested the UK Government's welfare changes were to blame.

Ms Lynch commented: "These figures are very worrying, and show once again the harsh reality of how people are living in Scotland today.

"If so many people are unable to provide something as basic as food, it's clear that the system is failing."