MacAskill briefed on threat level

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The Scottish government was briefed about a change to the UK's terror threat level before it was raised.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill confirmed that ministers were informed about moves to take the level from "substantial" to "severe".

The new alert means a terrorist attack is considered "highly likely". It had stood at substantial since July.

Mr MacAskill said Scotland's police chief constables would be following protocols to safeguard the public.

UK Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, said there was no intelligence to suggest that an attack was imminent.

However, the change appears to be in response to the perceived increased threat from international terrorism following the failed Detroit airliner bombing on Christmas Day.

The decision to raise the threat level was made by the UK's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

THREAT LEVEL SYSTEM Low - attack is unlikelyModerate - attack is possible, but not likelySubstantial - attack is a strong possibilitySevere - attack is highly likelyCritical - attack is expected imminently

Mr Johnson said JTAC kept the threat level under constant review, making its judgments based on a broad range of factors, including the intent and capabilities of international terrorist groups in the UK and overseas.

Following Friday evening's announcement, Mr MacAskill said: "Scottish ministers have been fully briefed on the situation, and the Scottish government will continue to work closely with the Home Office, the police and other relevant agencies.

"Police chief constables across Scotland will be taking the necessary steps and following the normal protocols in the interests of public safety.

"Although we have no reason to believe that this threat increase relates to Scotland specifically, I would urge the public to remain extremely vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police immediately."

There are five levels of terror threat, ranging from low - meaning an attack is unlikely - to critical - when an attack is expected imminently. Severe is the second highest level on the scale.

The threat level was first made public on 1 August 2006, when it was set at severe. It was raised to critical on 10 August that year after a series of arrests over an alleged plot to blow up transatlantic aircraft but lowered to severe again the following week.

The threat level was last at critical in June 2007, following the attack on Glasgow Airport and the failed car bombings in central London.