About 30,000 Scots could lose their disability benefits after changes to the welfare system, according to a Scottish Government report.

All adults in receipt of disability living allowance are being transferred to a new benefit, the personal independence payment (PIP), following changes enacted by the UK Government.

Those applying for PIP will be assessed by a health professional who will determine if they qualify for the new benefit, reduced amount of money or indeed more financial support.

The report found while 45% of those being re-assessed for PIP are expected to receive increased payments, 44% will initially have their money cut or removed completely.

Those worst affected by the changes could lose more than £7000 of benefit payments each year.

The Scottish Government's social security minister Jeane Freeman said the devolved administration views the findings with "dismay" and it only serves to highlight "the impact of the UK Government's unrelenting strive for austerity".

She added: "That is why I've written to Penny Mordaunt, the minister for disabled people, calling on them to take action.

"The UK Government must listen to the cacophony of voices and growing evidence telling them about the damage their policies are causing and stop their assault on disabled people."