Children with a devastating genetic condition will receive treatment more quickly under a new Scottish Government initiative.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can leave children unable to crawl, walk, breathe and swallow, in many cases leading to early death.

A treatment, sold under the brand name Spinraza, has helped infants with the condition to live longer, and in some cases crawl and even walk or stand.

It has now been announced that families affected by SMA will be able to access the medicine faster under the Scottish Government's "ultra-orphan pathway" initiative.

Subject to successful sign-off, Spinraza is set to be one of the first drugs to be approved through the new process and is expected to be routinely available for people with SMA Types 1, 2, and 3 from April.

Catherine Woodhead, Muscular Dystrophy UK's chief executive, said: "Today's announcement is fantastic news for families in Scotland and gives them hope for the future.

"We know that Spinraza slows down the progression of spinal muscular atrophy, a devastating and sometimes-fatal condition, and this decision has the power to change the lives of up to 100 children and adults and their loved ones."

Dr Sheonad MacFarlane chairs Muscular Dystrophy UK's Scottish Council. Her ten-year-old daughter, Eilidh, has SMA Type 2.

She said: "Naturally, the Scottish Medicines Consortium's original decision for restricted use was a huge disappointment.

"But we vowed to continue fighting, and the decision to make it available for people with all types of SMA now feels like we have been given a second chance.

"Having access to Spinraza means so much to us and to other families, and we are overjoyed that our hopes have finally been realised.

"As a parent, it's heart-breaking to see your child gradually lose their physical abilities. Nothing can prepare you for the devastating emotional impact this has on you, particularly when there is a treatment out there that is agonisingly out of reach."

She added: "Now, however, we can look to a future where those living with SMA can have a better quality of life."