Darius and Jackie Bird got the party going in Scotland

This year's UK-wide appeal raised more than �17m on Friday night, which was up from �15.5m in 2003, the BBC said.

Last year more than �30m was raised, with �2m of that coming from contributors in Scotland alone.

The show celebrated its silver jubilee on Friday evening with Jackie Bird and pop star Darius teaming up with mascot Pudsey Bear.

Fundraising events which took place included a world record 24-hour game of rugby completed in Glasgow.

Jackie said: "I don't think there's a more emotive issue than Children in Need, whether they have physical needs, whether they are disadvantaged, and it's a cause that really gets the public going."

BBC Scotland's political editor Brian Taylor was also involved, having his legs waxed in public along with Shetland MSP and Deputy Finance Minister Tavish Scott.

Money is already coming in around the country

Other events included the Gig at the Castle in Stirling with Travis, Snow Patrol and Natasha Bedingfield.

Scottish co-ordinator for Children in Need Fraser Falconer said the past 25 years had seen some great highlights.

Mr Falconer said: "Some people went swimming with the sharks at Deep Sea World, some young people dressed as fairies and went up Bennachie, just a fantastic range of things.

"This year we already know there's 10% more activity happening than the same time last year."