Temperatures soar as Scottish heatwave begins

Temperatures across have risen to the mid-20s with Scotland forecast to have its hottest weekend of the year.

The heatwave coincides with several large outdoor events including TRNSMT in Glasgow, the Tiree Music Festival and the Island Games in Orkney.

The highest temperature on Friday was at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire where it reached 28.9C (84F), with Aviemore and Inverness in the Highlands also hitting 28C, Glasgow at 27C and Edinburgh 26C.

On Saturday, the soaring temperatures could peak at 31C in Perthshire and inland Aberdeenshire, with 27C again expected in the Central Belt and north east Scotland.

According to the Met Office criteria for a heatwave in Scotland, it must reach 25C on at least three consecutive days in the same area.

Last month Glasgow was just shy of a heatwave with two consecutive days soaring past 25C while the third day lingered at 24.4C - just missing the mark.

Aboyne and Leuchars in Fife are already on their third day above 25C.

Most of the rest of Scotland will follow over the weekend.

Saturday's temperatures are expected to be as high as 31C, with many parts experiencing above 25C.

Wildfire warnings are in place and Police Scotland has launched Operation Ballaton to address disruptive incidents in Balloch and the areas surrounding Loch Lomond.

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

Insp Colin Cameron said young people often travelled to Loch Lomond in groups during the warmer weather.

He said officers would be on high-visibility patrol and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately.

BBC Scotland's Paul Ward said the shores at the south end of Loch Lomond have been busy since early Friday morning.

Among those enjoying the weather was Amanda McQuaid and her dog Milo.

She said: "It's absolutely glorious, so it is. I came down this morning to avoid when it's too hot."

At Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, one of the few open air swimming pools in Scotland, it was 21C by 10:00.

Kerry Barlow, from Kemnay in Aberdeenshire, was among those enjoying the weather at the pool with her children Summer and Seth.

She said: "It's amazing, I can't remember the last time it was so sunny in Aberdeenshire. It's fantastic.

"We're going to spend the whole day here and then going along to the beach afterwards and doing a bit of paddling and playing.

"We've been making sure we've been drinking lots of water and putting the sun cream on."

On Saturday, temperatures are expected to be as high as 30C (86F), exceeding the 28.9C (84F) high recorded in Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness in June.

The Met Office has said the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer, and will cover a larger part of Scotland.

Ahead of TRNSMT in Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urged music fans to stay safe by ensuring they are protected from the sun and stay hydrated.

Dr Emilia Crichton, director of public health, said: "This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather."

She 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.

"We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT and we hope everyone has a fantastic time.

"We ask festival-goers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely."

The dry conditions have heightened the risk of wildfires across Scotland.

An extreme wildfire warning has been issued until Monday, advising people to avoid using naked flames in the outdoors.

It comes after another blaze in Dava on Wednesday and other incidents across the Highlands and Moray in recent weeks.

Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond National Park Authority, said a fire in May caused by a disposable barbecue at Glen Finglas had a "devastating impact"

She said: "As we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly.

"Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire."