The number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Scotland is more than a third higher than previously estimated, a new study has found.

Research published by the MS Society has found the figure has risen from around 11,000 to 15,750, based on data from Public Health England.

It means around 13 people are being diagnosed every week on average, and one in 300 people in Scotland is living with the condition.

However the charity says the rise is likely to be due to a number of factors including an ageing population of people with MS, better diagnosis and improved recording of data – rather than an increased risk of developing the disease.

MS damages the body’s nerves and makes it harder for people to do everyday tasks, such as walking, talking, eating and thinking.

Last year a MS map confirmed Scotland has one of the highest global rates of the disease, with Orkney topping the table for incidence rates.

Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said the new figures confirmed the suspicion there are many more people living with MS in Scotland than previously estimated.

“While the NHS is getting better at diagnosing and recording cases of MS, unfortunately in many important ways society is getting worse at supporting people with the condition.

“Compared to just a few years ago, fewer people with MS receive social care support and key welfare payments – and we hear far too many stories of people struggling to stay in work without the adjustments they need.”

In December the Scottish Government unveiled a five-year action plan to improve care and support for people living with neurological conditions.

Ms Simpkins said this provided an opportunity to create an “expanded and sustainable” social care system.

“We will continue to push to ensure that it leads to real change for people with MS,” she added.

“We now know that Scotland has a higher rate of MS than anywhere in the world and that underlines the need for action on care and support to guarantee that people who are diagnosed with the condition are able to access the help they need.”

The new study estimates that the number of people with MS in the UK as a whole has increased, rising from 110,000 to 130,000.

Other UK countries have seen similar increases as Scotland, with Northern Ireland seeing a rise from 3,200 to 4,500, Wales from 4,200 to 5,500 and England from 90,500 to 105,000.