The Scottish Government has missed its target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions for the fourth year running, new figures have shown.

Scotland produced 53 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2013, compared with a target of 48 million tonnes, according to the government's annual climate change report.

Tom Ballantine, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:

"Today's figures are disappointing but show that the target was within reach.

"To ensure Scotland meets all of its targets going forward the Scottish Government needs to announce significant new policies.

"Greater action on climate change will let us build a healthier, fairer society and a stronger economy."

Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod said: "Scotland is well on track to meet our ambitious emissions targets, with these latest figures for 2013 showing we are more than three quarters of the way there with seven years still to go."

The government's long term target is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2020, compared with levels in 1990.