Continuing financial pressures in the UK are prompting many Scottish people to consider emigrating, a survey has found.

According to a Legal & General Study, nearly one in five Scots are prepared to leave the country in order to avoid the effects of the credit crunch.

Only three per cent of those surveyed said they consider themselves well off, while most respondents raised concerns about the rising cost of living in the UK.

Speaking to the Scotsman, Mark Wallace of the Taxpayers Alliance said: "This is a shocking indication of how inhospitable this country has become for ordinary people trying to make a living."

Tim Warren, spokesperson for Legal & General, added that he was very surprised by the findings.

He said it is "startling" that so many people from Scotland would be prepared to pack their bags and leave the country for sunnier climbs such as Italy and Spain.

Last month, a poll of expatriates by NatWest revealed that the vast majority believe they are financially better off now that they live abroad.