Scots motor neurone disease (MND) campaigners have hailed a research breakthrough funded by the global 'ice bucket challenge' craze.

The challenge, which saw people post videos of themselves being doused in buckets of ice water to raise awareness of the disease, went viral in 2014 with scores of celebrities and politicians, including Ewan McGregor and former First Minister Alex Salmond, taking part.

Despite drawing criticism at the time as a stunt, the challenge went on to raise £87.7m and funded six research projects.

One of those projects has now led to the discovery of a new gene, NEK1, which is linked to the disease.

Scientists believe the breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for the condition, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Scottish MND patient and prominent campaigner Gordon Aikman described the latest research as a step closer to finding a cure for the degenerative disease.

Mr Aikman was diagnosed with MND in 2014 and has since raised more than £500,000 for investment in research through his website GordonsFightback.

He said: "I think this development pours ice-cold water over any claims the ice bucket challenge was just a silly stunt.

"I hope this discovery is the first of many. We've got bucket-loads of progress to make to cure this disease.

"People should keep on giving because it does make a difference.

"It might be too late for me, but we can and we must find a cure for future generations."

Craig Stockton, chief executive of MND Scotland, said the charity was "thrilled" by the announcement of the research breakthrough.

He said: "The discovery of this new gene helps to fill in another piece of the jigsaw that is MND.

"Whilst further research is needed to understand what part the NEK1 gene plays in the development of MND, it will provide scientists with an important new target for developing new treatments.

"This news shows that continuing to fund vital research is the only way to take us a step closer to finding a cure."

The Project MinE study, which produced the discovery, was funded by US charity the ALS Association using money from the Ice Bucket Challenge. Their results were published in the journal Nature Genetics.