SCOTLAND'S TARGET to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% has been met six years early, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has confirmed.

The latest climate change statistics show Scotland’s emissions fell by 12.5% year on year to 41.9 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent in 2014, equivalent to a reduction of 45.8% from the 1990 baseline.

The figures show that Scotland continues to outperform the rest of the UK as a whole, making it one of the leading countries in Western Europe for reducing emissions.

Ms Cunningham said: “Scotland is making outstanding progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These statistics show that we not only met the annual 2014 emissions reduction target but also exceeded the level of our world-leading 2020 target for a 42% reduction, six years ahead of schedule.

“We will continue to rise to the challenge and the First Minister has already confirmed that the Scottish Government plans to establish a new and more testing 2020 target. We are not complacent and we will continue to take action and encourage others to do their bit to tackle climate change.”

Ms Cunninghame was speaking on a visit to the Harlaw Hydro community renewable energy project.

Chair of Harlaw Hydro, Martin Petty, said: “Harlaw Hydro started out as an idea to make a difference to our community and – through generating our own clean, green energy – to make a difference for the future of our children. At peak production levels, we can generate enough electricity to power around 100 houses. Climate change affects us all, and I am pleased that we are able to make a contribution to Scotland’s efforts to tackle it.”