The number of local authorities in Scotland paying realistic allowances to foster carers has nearly doubled in the past 12 months, a survey has found.

But almost one-half are still failing to support adequately families who welcome a foster child, according to research by Fostering Network Scotland.

Seventeen of the 32 councils are now paying allowances in line with the minimum weekly rates recommended by the charity, compared with nine last year.

The allowance is the sum intended to cover the costs of caring for an extra child and pay for everything from nappies and clothes to food, birthday presents and outings.

However, 15 authorities are still paying below the charity's recommended minimum.

They are Angus, Argyll, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Eilean Siar, Falkirk, Fife, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian.