People in Scotland just keep getting happier, survey finds.

The annual research finds central Scotland the most cheerful place to live

Happiness levels in Scotland have risen for the third consecutive year, according to new research.

The Bank of Scotland study also found that older people and those earning the most are the happiest.

The annual nationwide survey asks Scots how happy or unhappy they are in their local communities, to create an official barometer of contentment ranging between -100 (very unhappy) to +100 (very happy).

Overall, Scots are slightly happier than last year as the index recorded a score of 44.9 (an increase of 1.2 points compared to 2017) and 5.9 points more cheerful than three years ago.

Central Scotland was the most cheerful place in Scotland with a score of 49.82, followed by the Highlands and Islands (47.61) and Lothians (46.23).

West Scotland was bottom of the table with a score of 40.08, while Glasgow was second last at 40.32.

Over-65s remained the happiest age group for the fourth year running, while the happiness levels of 18 to 24-year-olds have grown by the highest number of points in the last year.

Those aged 35 to 44 are at the bottom of the table for the second consecutive year, and 24 points below the over-65s.

Bankf of Scotland director Ricky Diggins said: “It’s good to see happiness levels are increasing across the country.”

The latest index found the more Scots earn, the happier they are.

This year, Scots with a household income of more than £60,000 are happiest.