SAC scientists believe that on present evidence Scottish farmers need not be concerned about the volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

Any deposits that might reach the ground should be light and unlikely to have any affect on crops or grazing livestock, say the SAC, who will continue to monitor events.

Millions of tons of volcanic dust are being thrown into the atmosphere by the erupting Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Flights across the UK have been grounded because of the dangers to aircraft and farmers have expressed their concerns that the falling ash will contaminate farmland.

Residents in Shetland have reported a ‘sulphur’ smell in the air, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are examining ash samples.

Farmers in Iceland have already removed sheep from the ground and some have raised concern over possible fluoride poisoning.

John Swinney, Scottish Government Finance Secretary, said there had been no indication that ash should cause alarm to farmers.

He added that the ash was ‘not poisonous and has the potential only to irritate those who may suffer from skin conditions or asthmatic conditions’.

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