Scots could soon hear loud 'siren-like' notifications on their phone to alert them about incidents such as terror attacks in the local area.
The UK Government is in the process of trialling its Emergency Alerts system, which is designed to save lives in the case of a serious incident.
Mobile phone users will receive an alert from the emergency services or Government officials when severe flood, fires, explosions, terrorist incident or public health emergencies are taking place.
Masts in the local area broadcast the ‘danger to life’ message to people using compatible phones and tablets in range.
Officials say that the chances of receiving the notification is 'low'.
The system is being tested in East Suffolk in England today, with mobile phone users hearing a "loud siren-like sound".
It is hoped that the new system will be rolled out UK-wide this summer.
The UK Government says that it will work with the Scottish Government to enable them to use the capability within their jurisdictions to save lives across the country.
Similar systems are already in use a number of countries across the globe, including USA, Netherlands and America.
Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt said: “The Emergency Alerts service will be a vital tool in helping us to better respond to emergencies, both nationally and locally.
“The concept was used to good effect during the pandemic when we asked people, via text message, to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
"This new system builds on that capability and will allow us to more quickly and effectively get life-saving messages to people across the UK.”
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