Shock figures have revealed that Moray youngsters are the most likely in Scotland to be named on the child protection register.
The document is designed to ensure agencies react quickly to children who have been identified as being at a “significant risk” of harm.
Now statistics published by the Scottish Government has shown that youngsters in the region are about twice as likely to be on the list compared to those in Aberdeen and the Highlands.
Last night, the revelation was described as “alarming”.
Moray Council has insisted it is satisfied that all the children have been included on the register for the “right reason” while warning the number, which is scrutinised regularly, fluctuates on a daily basis.
However, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has described the unwanted accolade as a “sad indictment” on the region.
He said: “These are alarming statistics, although the area’s smaller population can sometimes mean that statistics can magnify the situation and they can fluctuate from year to year.
“It is a sad indictment of our society when so many children across Moray and the north find themselves in the need of this kind of protection.
“This also highlights the importance of ensuring local services are there to intervene and provide vulnerable children with the appropriate support.”
Mr Lochhead has pledged to investigate the reasons behind Moray topping the nationwide charts.
The figures have been included in the Scottish Government’s children’s social work statistics for 2016-17, which were published last week.
The report explains that nationally there has been a decreasing trend in the amount of children included over the last three years.
However, in Moray the total has reached its highest amount since 2008 with 79 on the register at the end of July last year.
Scottish Government officials have explained that in many regions there is “no obvious reason” for the changes but suggested that groups of siblings entering or leaving small areas can lead to noticeable fluctuations.
A child is put on the register following a multi-agency conference involving professionals, parents or carers and the young person.
If it is agreed that the youngster is at a significant risk of harm, or is likely to be in the future, then they are put on the list to ensure regular reviews are done of their welfare.
A Moray Council spokeswoman said: “The child protection committee (CPC) scrutinises the child protection register on a quarterly basis and frequently call for further examination or investigation into emerging trends.
“The CPC is satisfied that those children on the register are on it for the right reason and are being supported through multi-agency protection plans subject to regular review.
“The number fluctuates on an almost daily basis. In such a small population a number of factors can impact upon the rate per thousand.”