MSPs have condemned reports that almost a third of families with disabled children have been forced to go without food.

Disability charity Contact a Family surveyed more than 320 families with disabled children in Scotland and found that 29% had been unable to buy food and that 34% had been unable to heat their home.

The survey also showed that about a third of families are going without specialist equipment for their children and 9% had been unable to attend medical appointments due to increases in transport costs.

The SNP said this boosts the case for the "wholesale devolution of welfare to Scotland" as recommended by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: "This is an absolutely shocking report which confirms the appalling effect Westminster's welfare cuts agenda is having on vulnerable people and their families across Scotland.

"That almost a third of families with disabled children in a wealthy country like Scotland are going hungry as a result of Westminster's cuts is nothing less than a scandal.

"With even more cuts coming down the line from George Osborne, the situation is only going to get worse.

"Westminster has shown time and time again that it can't be trusted on welfare.

"It is now abundantly clear that full powers over welfare should be in Scotland's hands - rather than in the hands of a Westminster establishment engaged in a systematic assault on the poorest people in society.

"Charities, third-sector organisations and the majority of people in Scotland are united in demanding that these powers are delivered to Scotland - and with Westminster's track record it is not difficult to see why.

"With the 'extensive' new powers over welfare and the economy promised to us we can take action to make Scotland a fairer place for everyone who lives here - and can ensure that disabled children and their families are treated with the respect they deserve."

SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell said: "Today's letter from SCVO to the Westminster leaders calling for the 'wholesale devolution of welfare' is welcome.

"Westminster has shown us time and time again that it cannot be trusted to look out for our most vulnerable people.

"But to enable the creation of a fairer welfare system, we also need wide ranging powers over taxation - and we must be given the powers to raise the minimum wage as a means of tackling in-work poverty."