New figures have revealed that more than half of students in Scotland owe debts to commercial lenders.

According to a survey many borrowed from lenders like banks and credit companies and that 70 per cent have spent more than the recommended 10 hours a week in paid work to fund their studies.

The survey by the National Association of Students in Scotland featured more than 6000 respondents and called for the government to improve financial assistance to students.

But the Scottish government said it had already taken steps to support students.

Fifty-two per cent of students, suggested the poll, had used commercial lenders, 67 per cent owed money to family or friends, 61 per cent took out loans and 31 per cent owed money to all three.

The study further revealed that 44 per cent of university graduates, 38 per cent of post graduates and 31 per cent of college students thought commercial loans were their biggest concern.