Scotland has achieved the second highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in Western Europe.

The country cut its emissions by 39.5% between 1990 and 2014, according to new data revealed by the Scottish Government.

England achieved a 34% reduction while Wales and Northern Ireland cut almost 18% and 16.5% emissions respectively.

In total, the UK reduced its emissions by 33%.

Sweden is in first place in the region, which saw a decline of 54.5% during the same period.

WWF Scotland welcomed the news but added: “Looking ahead there is no room for complacency if Scotland is to maintain its position as a leader on climate change and to capture the many social, health and economic benefits of moving to a zero carbon future. Outside of the electricity and waste sectors, progress to cut carbon has been far too slow.

“The Scottish Government’s new climate action plan, due by the end of the year, is an opportunity to set out transformational plans. Sectors in need of urgent attention include transport, where emissions remain stuck at 1990 levels and housing, with too many families wasting cash and carbon heating the outside of their leaky homes.”