The Scottish voluntary sector has recorded a substantial growth in donations, volunteering and public service contracts, according to new research published today.

The report by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) indicates that the success is due to public and government support being at an all time high - despite the widely reported financial scandals involving Breast Cancer Research (Scotland) and Moonbeams in 2003.

Although there was an initial dip in donations at the time of the scandals, households are now giving 2 per cent of their disposable incomes to good causes, in comparison to 1.5 per cent back in 2000, which is the equivalent to £7.40 per week per household. The figures do not yet include the Scottish response to the Tsunami appeal.

The statistics also show that the average size of public sector contracts has risen by 16 per cent in the last year, and that 43 per cent of adults volunteer, equating to 9 million hours per month.

Speaking at The Gathering exhibition in Glasgow, Martin Sime, chief executive of SCVO, said: “We have long argued that voluntary sector organisations are a dynamic force for good in Scotland and these survey findings demonstrate that the sector is having a growing impact across every area of public life.

“It is vital that we capitalise on these trends and take advantage of the new charity law and support framework now being put in place.”

The Gathering is the largest voluntary sector exhibition in Scotland. Held in Glasgow, it runs from February 14-16 February. For more information visit www.gatherscotland.org.uk