At least 450 new foster carers must be recruited in Scotland over the next year to provide stable homes for children in care, according to one charity.

The Fostering Network warns today that fostered children would be "denied stability" if new foster carers do not come forward to provide the support they need.

A shortfall in carers means children are being placed far away from their families and are being moved from home to home or being split up from their siblings, said the charity.

Robert Tapsfield, the Fostering Network's chief executive, said: "Without these much-needed carers, too many fostered children will continue to be denied stability in their home and school life, which is key to success later on."

The appeal was echoed by one foster couple who have helped more than 20 vulnerable children in the last 11 years.

Liz McCloy and her husband Eddie, from Glasgow, took to fostering after their own offspring flew the nest. With two spare bedrooms and time on their hands, it was a natural decision.

Mrs McCloy, 61, a retired book keeper, said while building up trust with troubled youngsters was challenging, the rewards were also great.

She and her 65-year-old husband, a retired taxi driver, are now experienced at looking after children of all ages, many with such profound special needs that their parents have been unable to cope.

"All you need to offer the children a stable life is to have a spare room in a normal household," said Mrs McCloy, who has three children and six grandchildren of her own.

"You don't have to have a terrific job or to be highly educated, you just have to be able to offer a listening ear and a stable home life."

Almost 6000 children in Scotland are looked after away from home, with more than two-thirds living with foster carers. To mark the start of its annual recruitment campaign Foster Care Fortnight, which starts today, Fostering Network surveyed 21 local authorities in Scotland and found there will be a shortage of 450 carers over the next year.

The charity is also lobbying the Scottish Government to restrict the numbers of children placed with a family.

In England and Wales, foster carers are generally just allowed to look after three children, but in Scotland the number can be unlimited.

If these restrictions were imposed, the charity estimates Scotland would require 1700 new foster carers over the coming years. The charity said existing shortfalls in carers means children are being placed far away from their families.

Mr Tapsfield said: "This year's campaign identifies the qualities needed to be a foster carer - qualities like being optimistic, having good listening skills, being able to see things from a child's point of view and having a sense of humour - and encourages people to recognise these in themselves."

One of Mr and Mrs McCloy's long-term residents is 16-year-old Robert, who arrived with his sister 11 years ago. Robert, who visits his father every month and attends Linburn Special School in Glasgow, has profound special needs and is quadriplegic.

"He's such a cheery boy and really appreciates being here," said Mrs McCloy. "He's been our star over our fostering career. It's been a joy to see him grow up."

Foster Care Fortnight runs until May 25. To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the website or call 0800 040 7675.