SUPPORT for same-sex marriage has reached a record high in Scotland, with more than two-thirds of people agreeing that gay couples should be allowed to tie the knot.

A total of 68 per cent believe gay or lesbian couples should have the right to marry, up from just over two-fifths of the public (41 per cent) in 2002 and 61 per cent of people in 2010.

The figures from ScotCen Social Research's Scottish Social Attitudes Survey were released to mark the first same-sex marriages coming into force.

Certain groups that have been more likely to oppose same-sex marriage have become considerably more liberal in their views.

In 2010 less than a third (29 per cent) of over 65s supported gay marriage compared to 44 percent in 2014, a 15 percentage point increase. However the over 65s remain the only age group in which less than half support same-sex marriage.

Tom French, policy and public affairs coordinator for the Equality Network, said: "Support for same-sex marriage in Scotland is now the norm.

"With the first same-sex marriages taking place this morning and public support at a record high, we are sending out a strong message to the world about the kind of fair and equal country we all want Scotland to be."

While same-sex marriage is most widely supported by those of no religious affiliation (81 per cent), the survey suggested about 60 per cent of those who identified themselves as Christian backed it.

A Church of Scotland spokesman said that while "we recognise that the legal landscape has changed", the Kirk has "not been supportive of this legislation" and had no plans to change its position.

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