The number of pupils passing Higher exams has dropped this year but a record number have been given a university place.

The SQA hailed the results a success and said the Higher results amounted to the second highest number of passes on record.

In the 2016 exam year, there were 152,701 Higher passes compared to 156,000 in 2015, with the attainment rate dropping from 78% to 77.2%.

As of midnight on Tuesday, 28,300 Scottish applicants had been accepted to higher education so far, up 5% compared to results day in 2015.

Almost all - 27,400 - are going to Scottish universities and colleges.

This year marked the first exam timetable in which all schools and colleges offered the full range of new qualifications which were phased in as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.

The SQA said Tuesday's results, received by more than 140,000 students across the country, reflected a "smooth transition" to the new Higher and Advanced Higher exams.

Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "On behalf of everyone at SQA, I would like to congratulate the thousands of candidates being recognised for their hard work and achievements today.

"I would also like to recognise and pay tribute to the teachers, lecturers, parents and carers for their support and commitment.

"This is the first year candidates will have been offered the full range of National Courses as part of Curriculum for Excellence.

"These results are testament to the dedication of the entire Scottish education system, working in partnership for the benefit of our young people.

"The new qualifications are performing well and the results clearly are enabling young people to transition between the levels and develop a wider range of skills."

She said it was important to recognise the new, "flexible" options on offer to candidates, including skills courses and other practical qualifications to prepare young people for the workplace.

A total of 19,443 people achieved Advanced Higher qualifications, while 234,160 students gained a National 5, the replacement for Standard Grades.

More than 50,000 candidates received their results by text or e-mail, while the remainder opted for the more traditional option of receiving them by post.

Education secretary John Swinney said: "This has been another successful year for Scotland's young people and I would like to congratulate them on all their hard work and achievement.

"Receiving results can be a nerve-racking time and everyone who has received positive results today can be extremely proud of their efforts.

"Today's results show that Scotland's learners continue to perform very well, with the second highest number of Higher passes on record, despite a fall in the size of the S5 and S6 year groups.

"This year is only the second time in history that we have seen more than 150,000 Higher passes, up from around 112,000 just ten years ago."

He said the results also demonstrated the "changing nature of Scotland's education system".

Mr Swinney added: "This approach seeks to prepare our young people better to enter the world of work by offering them much more choice and flexibility in their education path than traditional qualifications alone.

"It is encouraging therefore to see strong performances in qualifications related to wider skills for life and work and I greatly welcome the increase of attainment in Awards, National Certificates and National Progression Awards."

Mary Curnock Cook, Ucas chief executive, said: "Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place at their chosen university or college in Scotland.

"These figures are an encouraging snapshot of Scottish higher education, particularly as a large majority of the country's applicants are placed by this stage.

"Anyone without a place, for whatever reason, should stay positive and consider all the options, including clearing.

"My advice is to call universities for a discussion about the courses you're interested in and remember that the Ucas website has lots of information to help."

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has a free helpline offering information and support for young people and their parents until August 17.

Anyone who needs advice is encouraged to call 0808 100 8000.