Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has revealed establishing a more ambitious climate change target is one of her key priorities during parliament.

During a Parliamentary debate, Ms Cunningham highlighted a number of priorities to protect the country's natural environment, including:

• Reviewing wildlife crime prevention

• Consult on a public register of controlling interests in land in early summer


• Establish the Scottish Land Commission by 01 April, 2017

Ms Cunningham said: "Our land, our air, our seas, our climate, our flora and our fauna - there can be no doubt that our stunning natural environment is one of Scotland’s most precious assets. How we own, manage, control, conserve, promote, support and develop all of these individually and collectively matter hugely to this Government's ambitions for our country.

"Put simply, they form the backbone upon which a fairer Scotland and a strong, sustainable, low carbon economy can and should be built. Our natural capital is a national asset and, like any other asset, we must ensure that it remains in good condition now and for the future."

(LM)