The SNP stands accused of “government failure of the highest order” as figures reveal eight Scots with learning disabilities have languished in hospital for over six years amid record levels of delayed discharge.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) data today revealed that at the end of September, 1,545 people with learning disabilities were on local dynamic support registers, a system designed to help them avoid long stays in hospital or placements far from family.

Of those, 486 were classed as “urgent” and 85 — despite being assessed as medically fit to leave — remained stuck in hospital for want of a suitable community care package being put in place.