Two thirds of Scots say they never stop to speak to homeless people, according to a study.

Street Soccer Scotland, who commissioned research into Scots' attitudes to homelessness, found 41% - equating to some three million people - say they are "fearful" of stopping to speak to rough sleepers.

The research shows younger people (aged 16 to 24) are least likely to stop and only a quarter (25%) say they would do so.

The study showed 48% of people in the age group were most likely to say they are afraid of speaking to rough sleepers.

Older age groups were less likely to be anxious about speaking to rough sleepers, with 38% of 55-to-64-year-olds and 43% of those aged over 65 being afraid.

The research comes as campaigners are calling on both the Scottish and UK governments to make the "long term investment" needed to bring an end to homelessness.

Homeless Action Scotland (HAS) made the plea in the run-up to Chancellor Philip Hammond's Budget next week, while Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay will outline his spending plans in December.

David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, who was homeless for three years, said: "Having experienced homelessness I know what it's like to to spend your days alone, with no-one to speak to.

"I also know the difference that having someone to talk to can make when you've lost all hope.

"I'm really shocked at the number of people who say they don't stop to speak to people who are homeless, and especially by the number who say they're afraid to.

"Instead of sympathy, they're feeling fear and we have to ask why and how we can change their perceptions."

It is estimated that each year around 5000 people are forced to sleep rough on Scotland's streets.

Last year, 9187 homelessness applications were received from people aged 16 to 24.

HAS chief executive Gavin Yates said that action to tackle the problem was "at a crossroads".

The Scottish Government has already announced funding of £50m to help tackle homelessness over five years, while a special action group is being established in a bid to cut rough sleeping.