Older people in north and north-east Scotland are the healthiest in the country.
New figures from the Scottish Government reveal that those living in the region will enjoy healthy lives for longer than those living elsewhere.
Statistics show that on average those living in island communities – as well as the north-east – will reach their 70s before they are likely to suffer failing health.
In contrast, those living in Glasgow are on average likely to suffer ill health by their early 60s, the lowest age in Scotland.
Orkney has the greatest healthy life expectancy in the country, according to the Scottish Government, with the average person now likely to live to 70 before suffering serious illness.
Those living in Shetland, the Highlands and the north-east are likely to enjoy a healthy life until their late 60s, according to the statistics.
The Scottish Government figures also show that general life expectancy across the region is high, with people in north and north-east Scotland living on average until they are 80.
That means people in the north and north-east would suffer about 11 years of being “not healthy” – far fewer than the Scottish average of 15 unhealthy years.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats’ Jim Hume said the statistics reflected growing health inequalities in Scotland.
The MSP said: “Ultimately the life expectancy of Scots should not come down to a postcode lottery based on where they are born or live.
“The gap between healthy life expectancy at birth of those living in the most and least deprived areas is not closing.
“The Scottish Government is on course to cut the lives of millions of people short if it does not act quickly.”
Jamie Hepburn, minister for sport, health improvement and mental health, said: “Scotland’s health is improving, with people living longer, healthier lives.
“It is encouraging to see that healthy life expectancy has increased since last year.
“We are also seeing a gradual reduction in the gap between males and females. Healthy life expectancy is increasing for both sexes, but at a faster rate for men.”