Temperature hits 32C on Scotland's hottest day in two years

Scotland has had its hottest day for two years, with a temperature of 32C reported in the Highlands.

The Met Office 32.2C reading at Aviemore was the highest ever recorded there, while villages at Achnagart and Kinlochewe saw readings of 31.2C.

The previous highest temperature of 2025 - 29.1C at Grangemouth last month - was easily surpassed and forecasters said it was the hottest day since June 2023.

The weather is expected to become slightly cooler on Sunday before more unsettled conditions move in at the start of next week.

A temperature of 32C in Scotland has only been recorded on six previous occasions since 1961.

The record for the hottest day was set in July 2022 when 34.8C was reached in the Scottish Borders.

The latest run of hot sunny days was officially classed as a heatwave on Friday, with Met Office criteria stating that the temperature must reach 25C for three consecutive days in the same area.

It came as several large outdoor events took place around the country including the Tiree Music Festival, the Island Games in Orkney and TRNSMT in Glasgow.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urged people to stay safe by ensuring they drink water and are protected from the sun.

Dr Emilia Crichton, director of public health, said: "No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand."

In Speyside, the Scotsman newspaper reports that several whisky distilleries have shut down summer production early due to low water levels on the River Spey.

Distilleries typically have shutdown periods for maintenance and to minimise the impact on the local rivers that provide their water.

Environment agency Sepa said the first half of 2025 has been the driest in the east of Scotland since 1973, with eight rivers facing water scarcity since mid-May.

The agency has no current plans to stop industries from taking river water - known as abstraction - but said the "risk of required restrictions is not over".

Sepa senior manager Eilidh Johnston said: "It won't take a heat wave to tip rivers into crisis. Sustained low flows and dry soils are already putting pressure on businesses and the environment.

"We're asking all abstractors to stay aware of conditions and check the local direct station data regularly especially in the east where pressure is building"

Meanwhile, fire crews are spending a second day tackling an outdoor blaze in Perth, with an extreme wildfire warning in place for much of Scotland until Monday.

Emergency services had been alerted to the blaze near the M90, in the Craigend area of Perth on Friday afternoon.

Six fire engines and a specialist wildfire unit were sent.

SFRS group commander Raymond King said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage."

Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a "vast scale" which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation.

At Loch Lomond, Police Scotland has launched Operation Ballaton to address disorder and disruptive incidents in the area.

Insp Colin Cameron said: "Balloch and the surrounding areas attract large numbers of people during the summer months, and we are committed to making sure they remain safe, welcoming places for everyone.

The operation, which has been carried out in previous years, will be in force during the summer months.