Four Scottish farms are looking at energy saving and the use of renewable power as part of an initiative to set new standards for the sector.

Energy saving and renewables are one of the areas of focus for the four participants, along with their use of fertiliser, livestock management and opportunities to lock carbon into the soil rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.

The four participating farms represent arable production - the growth of crops and vegetables - as well as dairy, upland livestock and diversified farming.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead says: "Our target to reduce emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 is among the most ambitious in the world."

However, he adds that the farming sector in particular has been quick to embrace the challenge as farmers look to play their part in tackling climate change.

Further guidance from the Scottish Government on its Farming for a Better Climate initiative suggests that farmers may be able to adopt one or two of the suggested techniques, or establish new environmentally friendly methods of their own.