The gap between the chance of dying early for the richest and poorest in Scotland is at its widest level in more than a decade.

Scots from the most deprived communities are four times more likely to die before the age of 75 than those from the wealthiest.

Although overall premature deaths rates have fallen over the last 20 years, the disparity between the least and most well off has actually increased and now stands at its highest level since 2008.

The figures were revealed in official statistics published today.

Premature death is defined as death before the age of 75. Just over 21,500 people in Scotland died before the age of 75 in 2018, the report states.

The annual report uses a selection of measurements to assess health inequalities.

Although some areas have seen progress – such as the likelihood of death from heart attack and alcohol-related health problems – disparities in other areas have widened.

It warns “significant” health inequalities still persist.

People in the least well-off areas of Scotland are 21 times more likely to be admitted to hospital because of drug misuse.

The gap between the richest and poorest for drug-related admissions has almost tripled since recording started in 1996/1997, official statistics revealed.

Last year a public health expert told healthandcare.scot shorter life expectancies among people on the lowest incomes could be linked to cuts to benefits and the wider welfare state.

The report was published alongside the Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD), which compares areas by disadvantages people face.

Inverclyde and Glasgow had some of the highest concentrations of deprivations, while Stockbridge in Edinburgh had the least.