Sunny Tayside 'cancer threat'

SCOTLAND'S sunniest region, Tayside, is also its worst affected by skin cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers have blamed long hours of sunshine, package holidays and sunbeds for the higher incidence rate.

Dr Charlotte Proby, clinical reader in dermatology at Dundee University's School of Medicine, said: "Over the past 30 years, skin cancers in Tayside have increased fourfold. Fair-skinned Celts, with red or fair hair, blue eyes and freckles, are much more susceptible to UV damage, and there is increasing evidence that the use of sunbeds has resulted in more cases of melanoma in young women.

"Cheap package holidays to sunny destinations are also to blame."

The Scottish Borders also has high incidence rates, she said.