New research has revealed Scotland's wind power output met nearly half of the country's total energy needs during January.

Analysis by WWF Scotland of data provided by WeatherEnergy found that wind turbines provided 1,125,544MWh of electricity to the National Grid during the start of 2016.

This equates to, on average, the electrical needs of 123% of Scottish households (2.98 million homes).

However, the figure represents a 14% decrease when compared to the same period last year (1,314,479MWh).

While the data shows wind turbines generated enough power to supply 100% or more of homes on 22 out of 31 days, Scotland's total energy consumption was 2,354,117MWh in January.

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This results in the equivalent of 48% of Scotland's entire electricity needs being generated by wind power for the month.

WWF Scotland's director Lang Banks said: "2015 proved to be a big year for renewables, and the latest data makes clear that 2016 is already off to a flying start, with wind power alone meeting nearly half of Scotland's total electricity needs during January.

"I have little doubt that 2016 will be another record year for renewables."

Mr Banks added that whatever happens to the renewables industry in the future is down to political leaders.

"As we approach the Holyrood elections, we'd like to see each of the political parties commit to ensuring Scotland becomes the EU's first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030.

"This is an ambition with real vision that would mean Scotland captures the full benefits of its renewable potential."

(LM/MH)