THE Scottish Government has been urged to act after it emerged the life expectancy for people who sleep rough in Scotland is just 39.

The figures, from homelessness charity Streetwork, also show this is eight years earlier than the average life expectancy for people living on the streets in England.

Labour's welfare spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said the statistics "should shock all of us".

She said: "For too many, there simply isn't the emergency accommodation available to ensure that they have a safe place to sleep."