The number of centenarians living in Scotland has reached a record high, according to figures released yesterday.

The number of centenarians living in Scotland has reached a record high, according to figures released yesterday.

The Registrar General estimated there were 710 people aged 100 or over in the country last year, up from just 560 in 2002.

However, for the first time in recent years the number of people aged between 90 and 100 fell - a phenomenon statisticians said was largely due to lower birth rates during the First World War.

The overwhelming majority of centenarians were female, the figures showed, with woman accounting for nearly 90% of all those living into their eleventh decade. Just 80 men had celebrated their 100th birthday, compared with 630 women.

A total of 30 people had passed the 105 mark, but those living beyond this age were not categorised in year groups.

The news received a mixed reaction from age-related charities.

A spokesman for Help The Aged said: "It's great that more Scots are living longer and reaching this milestone, but it does pose challenges for the authorities.

"When people reach old age a lot of them do succumb to physical and cognitive decline and more needs to be done to accommodate such instances.

"There is not enough thought in this country of factoring quality of care and the cost into the equation.

"For younger, older people they still have a chance to contribute to society, but for the older section it is important for them not to be seen as a burden."

Jamie McGrigor, Conservative MSP for Highlands and Islands and Shadow Minister for Communities, said: "These people deserve our congratulations and every credit for reaching a number that I'm convinced will become more and more common as the 21st century progresses.

"This news comes at a time where the wider picture for younger generations is clouded by negativity, over issues such as obesity and a generally more unhealthy lifestyle being adopted.

"However, seeing as the number of centenarians has increased by over one-quarter in little over five years, we have proof that with the right lifestyle choices, life can be long, rich and fulfilling."