Scots Feeling the Warmth

Scotland's temperature has risen half way towards the limit recommended by scientists, according to WWF Scotland, reports the BBC.

The environmental group said the European Union had suggested trying to keep any rise in average global temperatures below 2C. But July's temperature in Scotland was nearly 1C above average and 2005 could be one of the warmest years on record.

The WWF criticised G8 leaders for a "worthless" climate change communiqué and urged Scottish ministers to act. The Met Office data showed that for the first seven months of 2005, five had been more than 1C above the long-term average temperature.

Overall, Scotland's average annual temperature had increased by 1C since the 1960s. The data also showed 2005 was heading for an average temperature close to 8C, which would put it in the five warmest years since 1914.