In pictures: Rapid thaw after Arctic weather

Signs in the Southern Cairngorms on Sunday in a picture taken by Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS)

Mild weather has lifted temperatures by almost 30 degrees in just a few days in parts of northern Scotland.

In Altnaharra, Sutherland, in the early hours of Saturday temperatures fell to -18.9C - the UK's coldest January night in 15 years.

But there has been milder weather since Sunday and snow that had lain for days rapidly disappeared, with daytime temperatures widely in the Highlands reaching 12C, or higher.

Signs in the Southern Cairngorms 48 hours after the first image was taken. Mountains in the background show significant snow loss.

BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart the mild conditions could linger for a few days more.

She said: "We have low pressure to the north of Scotland and an area of high pressure centred to the south, which sets up a pattern of south westerly winds.

"After the Arctic plunge of last week, this wind direction has brought much milder air our way, lifting temperatures in parts of northern Scotland almost 30 degrees in just a couple of days."

Gillian added: "It'll remain relatively mild through the rest of this week, but there's uncertainty over next week's forecast.

"Some models are suggesting a return to wetter and windier weather."

A waterfall at Brora in Sutherland pictured on Sunday by a BBC Weather Watcher

The same waterfall 24 hours later

A chilly scene at Glencoe Mountain ski resort on Sunday

The same location on Tuesday

The Southern Cairngorms, pictured on Friday, was among parts of the north of Scotland to have deep snow

The Spittal of Glenshee in the Southern Cairngorms on Tuesday following the thaw