MEN born in the Borders are expected to live longer than anywhere else in Scotland, it has been revealed.

A report published this week by the National Records of Scotland shows males in the NHS Borders area are predicted to live to 78.8 years, compared to the national average of 77.1.

For women, it’s best to be born in the Western Isles, where they are expected to live 82.9 years. But the Borders closely follows with a life expectancy of 82.5, still better than the 81.1 national average.

In comparison, the NHS Board area with the lowest male life expectancy was Greater Glasgow and Clyde (75.3 years), with female life expectancy also lowest in Greater Glasgow and Clyde at 80.1 years.

Tim Ellis, chief executive of National Records of Scotland and Registrar General for Scotland, said: “This report shows that while life expectancy continues to improve, there is still wide variation across Scotland.

“The report also shows that the gap between life expectancy for men and for women is continuing to narrow.”