AN inquiry into the impact of the cost and delivery of services to Scotland's ageing population has been announced by Holyrood's Finance Committee.

Research by analysts at the National Records of Scotland office predict the number of pensioners in Scotland will rise by 551,200 by 2035 to 1.4 million.

Committee convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said the projections suggested Scotland's population would age more rapidly than the rest of the UK.

The figures showed that by 2035, Scotland's working age population was set to increase 7%, those of pensionable age would increase 26% while those 75 and over would increase 82%.

Mr Gibson said: "The inquiry will focus on the planning for and impacts on the public finance primarily relating to the provision of health and social care, housing and pensions and the labour force."

The committee is initially seeking written views on the four areas specified by Mr Gibson. On health and social care, the MSPs are trying to assess what the consequences of an ageing population will be, as opposed to other health challenges such as obesity.

They also want to know what the main pressures are likely to be on both the public and private housing stock arising from demographic change and what action should government and other public bodies be taking now to address the issue.