Scotland's hottest day in two years as temperatures top 31C

Keeping cool by the coastline at Sandwick in Shetland

Scotland has had its hottest day for two years, with temperatures passing 31C (86F) in parts of the Highlands.

Aviemore reached 31.4C, the highest ever recorded there, while the villages of Achnagart and Kinlochewe saw readings of 31.2C.

The 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 Scottish heatwave officially began yesterday, with Met Office criteria requiring temperatures to reach 25C on three consecutive days in the same areas.

The run of hot, sunny days 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"

The River Tay in Perth and other rivers have been facing lower water levels

A warning sign for music fans about the temperatures in Glasgow.

Six fire engines and a specialist wildfire unit were sent to a blaze in Perthshire

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.

The heatwave threshold varies in different parts of the UK

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.