Health advice has been issued as ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland fell towards the ground in some parts of the UK.
Particles were expected to reach ground level in Scotland first before moving south during the night.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the ash should not cause serious harm but could cause irritation, particularly to those with respiratory conditions.
It advised people with conditions including asthma and chronic bronchitis to carry inhalers and medication with them and those who noticed symptoms, including itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, should either return to their homes or "limit their activities outdoors".
But the Met Office said any ash which did reach ground level would be barely visible and the public should not be concerned.
The HPA said weather patterns indicated a "small fraction" of the volcanic plume in the UK's airspace, which could include low levels of sulphur dioxide, is likely to reach ground the ground on Thursday night and Friday morning.
In a statement, the HPA said: "It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which may reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm. If people are outside this evening and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors.
"Those with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma may notice these effects more than others and should ensure they have any inhalers or other medications with them.
"Any such health effects are likely to be short term. The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary as the weather changes."
"Low concentrations of volcanic dust, which may contain low levels of sulphur dioxide, are also expected to ground with the plume, although this is not expected to be a significant threat to public health," the spokesman added.
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