Councils, politicians and the health board have reacted to new figures which show South Ayrshire's healthy life expectancy now stands at 62.75 years.

Healthy life expectancy is described as “an estimate of lifetime spent in “very good” or “good” health, based on how individuals perceive their general health”.

The figures were released last week by the Office for National Statistics, with South Ayrshire mid-table in Scotland, where the best average healthy life expectancy was in Orkney, at 74.35.

The worst in Scotland was North Ayrshire, with a healthy life expectancy of just 55.7 years. East Ayrshire had the sixth lowest figure in Scotland, at 56.05 years.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran said today: “Healthy life expectancy in Ayrshire is lower than other areas across the country and reflects the health and social inequalities that are unfortunately prevalent in post-industrial areas of Scotland.”

A spokesperson for the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership added: “We are continuing to work hard to ensure our residents start well, live well and age well.

“We have made significant changes over the last few years to ensure we can tailor our services and support to meet the needs of our local communities through our move to a locality based approach.

“We recognise that even within South Ayrshire there are different healthy life expectancy within our various localities which is why we are implementing locality improvement plans to tailor support at a very local level with the aim of addressing health inequalities.

“South Ayrshire has a very specific demographic with an ageing population which will continue to grow over the coming years, in response to this we have signed up to be one of the first Scottish health boards to be part of the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly Communities.

“Our Ageing Well movement is well underway with consultation now out for our Ageing Well Strategy.

“This is a joint approach which brings together organisations from all our Community Planning Partnership membership including South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Police Scotland and our Third Sector interface Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA).

“This joint approach aims to ensure people can remain as independent as possible, are active, fulfilled and have a good sense of mental health and wellbeing.”

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley SNP MSP Elena Whitham told the Advertiser: “While life expectancy in Scotland remains a concern, we are making progress in creating a healthier nation.

“The latest life expectancy statistics demonstrate clearly that an intersectional approach must be taken to address the many differing factors that contribute to health inequality.

“That is why the Scottish Government has taken action in areas such as providing free school meals to all P1-5s, continuing our national mission to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths, creating a tobacco free generation by 2034, and tackling gender-based violence.

“Funding is also being provided at a local level. For example, Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise has received £31,000 to support out-of-school clubs which give free access to sports for low income families.

“By collaborating at a government, local, and community level, we can make Scotland a healthier and wealthier country to grow up in.”