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Greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland have fallen by 28.9% since 1990, according to the latest official statistics.

The Scottish Government said the figures, which cover up to 2009, showed it was on course to achieve climate change targets.

It is seeking to reduce greenhouse emissions by 42% by 2020.

Between 2008 and 2009 there was a 7% reduction in gas emissions, with industrial emissions dropping 12%.

However, one environmental organisation urged caution and said the drop was caused by the recession.

Stan Blackley, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: "We also know that provisional data suggests that emissions increased again in 2010, so the Scottish government hasn't been able to lock-in these emissions savings from 2009 or replicate them through its own effort.

"We can't continue to rely on adverse economic conditions to save the planet."

Future emissions

Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "These figures demonstrate continued progress towards achieving our world-leading climate change targets.

"Whether public sector, private companies or households, we all need to play our part in delivering a low carbon Scotland which will continue to see greenhouse gas emissions fall.

"As encouraging as these results are, we must not be complacent about meeting our targets, as events like the recent severe winters may have an impact on our emissions in future years.''