Last year saw both the warmest and wettest months on record

The forecasters said 2006 was the warmest year on record, 1.28C above the long-term average. November and December were the wettest recorded.

The Met Office predicted that 2007 would be the warmest year yet across the world.

WWF Scotland said the record breaking year showed that "the planet was giving us a clear message about the reality and danger of climate change".

July was the warmest month ever recorded in Scotland, with an average temperature 3C above the long-term average, according to the figures.

November and December recorded 244mm and 270mm of rain.

'Climate chaos'

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "The four warmest years ever recorded were the last four years, with 2006 the warmest year ever in Scotland.

"Yet again, Scotland's weather backs up the scientists' predictions that Scotland will become warmer and wetter.

"2006 may be a taste of the kind of weather we can expect to become normal in the next few decades."

He said climate change was the biggest environmental threat facing Scotland.

Dr Dixon added: "With Scotland already experiencing climate change, all the parties standing for this year's Scottish elections will need to convince the electorate that they will actually reduce emissions, not just talk about doing so.

"Failure to take climate change seriously will leave Scotland on course for climate chaos."