Scotland could see average temperatures rise by 3C over the next 100 years

SCOTLAND could emerge as a climate change “winner” over the next 100 years with warmer summers likely to precipitate a surge in land values.

Scientists warn that global warming could have a greater effect on Britain’s climate than previously thought with average temperatures soaring as much as 5C by the turn of the century. Previous models have forecast a maximum rise of about 2C.

Such a rise would trigger massive changes in the country’s ecosystem as plants and animals adjust to a Mediterranean-style climate.

In Scotland, however, the average temperature rise is likely to be a modest 3C by comparison, heralding a cooler, balmy climate that will allow a wider range of crops to be grown. It would be especially well suited to growing grapes,