New figures have revealed a record year for wind power output in Scotland.

Wind generated enough power to supply the electrical needs of 97% of Scottish households during 2015, according to WWF Scotland analysis of data provided by WeatherEnergy.

It is understood wind power contribution is up by 16% compared to 2014.

In December, wind power generated in Scotland exceeded electricity demand by 48%.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said Scottish renewable use had reduced carbon emissions by millions of tonnes.

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He also urged all political parties to put forward proposals to make the country Europe's first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030.

"On average, across 2015, wind power generated enough to supply the electrical needs of 97 per cent of Scottish households, with six months where the amount was greater than 100 per cent.

"And, in the tens of thousands of Scottish households that have installed solar panels, half or more of their electricity or hot water needs were met from the sun for the most of the year, helping those homes to reduce their reliance on coal, gas, or oil.

"With 2016 being a critical year politically, we’d like to see each of the political parties back policies that would enable Scotland become the EU’s first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030."

(LM)