NONE of the Scottish Government's own buildings have achieved top energy efficiency ratings, prompting calls for Ministers to lead by example.

Figures obtained by the LibDems showed that six of the Government's 18 larger buildings, which account for 71% of the Government's overall floor space, have been given the bottom two Energy Performance Certificate ratings.

The certificate provides A to G ratings, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least.

The Scottish Government's offices in Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, and its freshwater laboratory at Faskally, Pitlochry both received G ratings, while a further four premises, including Cameron House in Oban and Thainstone Court in Inverurie were given F ratings.

Elsewhere, the Government's central offices at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, and its Victoria Quay offices, also in Edinburgh, received C ratings.

LibDem energy spokesman Liam McArthur said: "These figures show that the Government has failed to get a grip of energy efficiency in its own buildings. They talk the talk on energy efficiency but aren't doing enough to walk the walk.

"It's disappointing that none of the Government's larger buildings achieve a top rating. It's nothing short of scandalous, however, that most of the buildings received the two lowest rated certificates.

"This is not the first time Ministers have been warned about their poor performance on this issue. Despite that, these ratings have hardly changed in over a year. This is not good enough and sends entirely the wrong message to households and businesses about the importance of energy efficiency."

A Scottish Government spokesman said the Government was taking action to drive down emissions and its latest environmental annual report showed it was making progress, cutting emissions from waste, travel and energy use."