Statistics from Shelter Scotland show that 6615 children will be classed as homeless, the fourth year in a row the number has risen.

The charity estimated around 38 children became homeless every day last year.

Schoolchildren from Corstorphine Primary School visited Holyrood this week to depict the rising number of children who will be without as home this Christmas.

Shelter Scotland deputy director, Alison Watson, said: “Children being homeless in 21st century Scotland is a disgrace in itself, but 6615 being homeless at Christmas drives home just how wrong it is.

“Last year in Scotland, 38 children were made homeless every day - more than 14,000. The number of homeless children has risen for four years in a row so things are getting worse not better.

“It’s time that promises were made and kept to the children of Scotland - that we will build enough affordable homes to make sure every child has a home not just for Christmas, but permanently.”

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said that ending homelessness remains a key priority for the Scottish Government.

He said: “We are clear that one person being made homeless is too many, particularly in households which include children.

“As ending homelessness is a priority for the Scottish Government we have established a £50m fund and the 70 recommendations from our Action Group, which Shelter Scotland was part of, are being worked into an action plan in partnership with the sector.”

He added: “Scotland’s strong homelessness rights mean households with children are placed in temporary accommodation while they wait for appropriate, sustainable permanent accommodation as a legal right.”