A new national advice helpline has been set up to offer support during the coronavirus crisis.

Citizens Advice Scotland said the number is free and will be in addition to the service currently offered by Scotland’s 59 local bureaux.

CAS said anyone in Scotland can call the number for expert advice on any issue.

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Derek Mitchell, CAS Chief Executive, said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland has been giving advice to people in Scotland for over 80 years. Now, as the country faces the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, we are adapting our service to ensure we can still give people the advice they need, when and how they need it.

“This helpline is not intended to replace our local face-to-face advice, but to supplement it. When this crisis is over and things return to normal people will still be able to visit their local CAB. But with Covid-19 having created an extraordinary set of circumstances we know people need to access our advice in a way that best suits them.

"As always, the service offered by our helpline is completely free, impartial and confidential.

“The CAB network in Scotland helps hundreds of thousands of people every year, putting money back into people’s pockets and giving them confidence about their rights. This new helpline will boost our service considerably and give people greater choice in how they access our advice, not just now during the pandemic but going forward afterwards as well.”

The helpline was set up with financial backing from the Scottish Government.

Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, said: “I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support this helpline with £100,000 to ensure people can still access vital advice and information during this pandemic.

“Many people will be concerned about their finances and jobs, and accessing social security, possibly for the first time during this pandemic.

“This helpline means people can still get help from a trained advisor even while face to face advice in local bureaux has been suspended. Whilst people are being advised to stay home, this is a service that will now be available to those that need it to understand the support available to them.”

Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline is free to call on 0800 028 1456. It will open from 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.