IT has been a month and a half since the average Scots family spent quality time together, research suggests.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) said its research reveals the “considerable strain” placed on family life by the “stresses of modern day living”.

One in five parents said they leave the house without seeing their children at least once a week and more than one quarter of mums and dads say they spend no time at all with their kids on an average day. More than a third of parents said they fear their children spend less time with relatives than they did when they were young.

Meanwhile, almost two thirds of Scots say they feel guilty for not spending enough time with the people that matter most to them. Promoting their Wear It. Beat It. initiative in June, the charity is urging families to take part.

Donna Spriggs Elliot, head of community fundraising, said: “Our busy modern day lifestyles and the stresses of the daily grind are keeping us from spending time with our families.

“Heart disease devastates the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland, often without warning, so finding a way to break away from our normal routines to spend time together is important and our Wear it. Beat it. day is the perfect opportunity.

“By taking part in Wear it. Beat it. and raising money for our research, you can help us beat heart disease for good.”

The Friday, June 9 event will see participants wear red clothing and take part in fundraising events.

Last year more than 15,000 people raised more than £750,000, with this year’s target in excess of £1 million.