Views on skin cancer from sunseekers in Scotland In pictures

The warning came from Cancer Research UK which also found that 27% of adults thought getting burnt was part of the tanning process.

The charity said that sunbathing binges greatly increase the chances of developing the potentially fatal form of skin cancer malignant melanoma.

Nearly 2,000 people die from skin cancer each in Britain.

The survey also discovered that 30% of young people aged between 16 and 24 were "certain" they would get burnt on their summer holiday.

This kind of short intense exposure to the sun, leading to burning, particularly increases the risk of malignant melanoma Dr Lesley Rhodes Cancer Research UK dermotoligist

Senior lecturer in environmental studies at Stirling University, Dr Ian Moffatt, said that soon Scots would no longer need to go abroad to expose themselves to a increased risk of skin cancer.

He said current predications on climate change meant Scots will regularly face exposure to higher sun levels.

"What we have got in Scotland, with all the predications of global warming, is that over the next 50 or 60 years there will be increasing levels of sunshine with temperatures becoming warmer and warmer.

"On a clear day it is very easy to get burnt and Scots will find that even working in the garden or going for a walk can result in burning to the skin."

Particularly dangerous

Cancer Research UK carried out the study as part of its Sunsmart campaign aimed at promoting responsible sunbathing.

According to Dr Lesley Rhodes, a Cancer Research UK dermatologist, getting burnt increases the risk of malignant melanoma.

She said: "The kind of sunbathing binges that happen when people go to much hotter climates and bake on the beach is particularly dangerous.

"This kind of short intense exposure to the sun, leading to burning, particularly increases the risk of malignant melanoma."

Dr Rhodes called on anyone with unusual skin blemishes or a mole that shows signs of change to get it examined by a doctor.