A detailed insight into the problems faced by Scotland's 750,000 young people has been revealed in a major new study.

It gives a breakdown on statistics such as drug-related crime rates, homelessness hotspots and teenage pregnancy numbers.

The study was carried out by The Prince's Trust - Scotland and revealed that Stirling had the highest level of young people in the population and Dundee had the worst level of qualifications.

Drug users

The trust said the extensive exercise, which looked at the 14 to 25 age group, will help it target resources in the future.

The five local authority areas to show the highest levels of disadvantage when all indicators were taken together were Glasgow, Dundee, North Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire and Aberdeen City.

The study's other findings were:

• Aberdeen had the highest rate of children on the child protection register

• Scottish Borders had the lowest average wages

• Glasgow had the lowest economic activity rates, the highest claimant rate, the highest level of school exclusions and the most drug-related crimes

• The Scottish Borders had the highest proportion of drug users starting under 15 years of age

• Dumfries and Galloway had the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy and the second highest rate of children in care or being looked after

• West Lothian topped the table for the proportion of young people claiming Job Seekers Allowance

• Fife had the highest level of population claiming benefits in Scotland.

Education Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "Ministers fully support a co-ordinated approach to engaging with young people and identifying their needs, promoting social inclusion, and developing individuals and communities."

Euan Davidson, director of The Prince's Trust - Scotland, said the study provided the first overall impression of what was happening in the lives of 750,000 young Scots.