A �5m fundraising drive is being launched to improve the quality of life of Scotland's ageing population.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh is behind the initiative which hopes to raise money to fund research into a wide range of issues which affect older people.

The campaign has already secured the backing of the Lloyds TSB Foundation which has donated more than a �1m.

Organisations will be able to apply for grants to advance their work in the medical and social fields.

'Tremendous boost'

The money raised will go towards learning more about health issues such as dementia.

Most of the projects will be based in Scotland, but the Royal Society has stressed that individuals of any nationality will be able to apply for help.

The RSE said the donation from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland was a "tremendous boost" for the fund.

The organisation was set up 200 years ago and is involved in many areas of life in Scotland.

It aims to improve the social fabric of society through learning and encouraging the potential of individuals.