Ministers were last night urged to find more money to help fund the treatment of a debilitating disease which claims the lives of more than 100 Scots every year.

Margaret Mitchell, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, said the amount of money donated to the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association (SMNDA) by health boards was "derisory".

She also called for greater funding for research into the incurable condition, which attacks the central nervous system and ultimately removes its victims' ability to breathe.

In a speech to the Scottish Parliament, Ms Mitchell said the SMNDA, which provides support for patients and carers, had to rely on donations from the public.

"Last year, the total contributed by health boards to the £300,000-plus service was a derisory £9415," she said. "The service the team provides is, I believe, an example of world best practice."

The MSP called on the executive to find a more sustainable way of funding the organisation as well as improve research into the condition.

Shona Robison, the Health Minister, said she planned to write to every health board to "encourage" them to collaborate with the SMNDA.