Soaring temperatures bring out the sun worshippers as Scots flock to the beach
Mercury soared above 25C across vast tracts of the country, prompting crowds of Scots to flock to beauty spots like Luss, by Loch Lomond, and Portobello beach, in Edinburgh.
As the first heatwave to hit Scotland in nearly two years arrived, no time was lost in soaking up the glorious conditions by cracking out swimsuits, packing picnics, and staking out sunbathing spots.
Temperatures even pushed 30C in some areas, with highs of 28C recorded along the Moray Coast.
The scorching weather triggered a string of warnings from experts and emergency services, who stressed the risks of the soaring mercury for a nation that is more used to wet weather.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service shared an 'extreme' wildfire warning for the centre and east of the country, while Police Scotland issued anti-social behaviour warnings for young people visiting Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas.
Scottish Water also stressing the risks of accidental drowning at lochs, rivers and beaches across the country and Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin even urged Scottish sunbathers to avoid stripping off to sunbathe.
Highlighting the dangers of overexposure to the sun, he said: 'I know people want to go 'taps aff' - but I would really advise against that'.
However, the heatwave received a far warmer welcome from the crowds of Scots who are travelling to major outdoor events over the weekend.
Thousands arrived in Orkney and the Hebrides for the Island Games and the Tiree Music Festival respectively.
The Island Games' competitors and volunteers alone are set to increase Orkney's population by almost 10 per cent, while many more spectators will also head north to watch the event.
Further south, around 150,000 music-lovers started descending on Glasgow Green for the three-day TRNSMT festival and more than 70,000 spectators arrived in North Berwick for the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament.
Health bosses in Glasgow encouraged festival-goers to 'have a fantastic time' but urged them to take extra precautions for the hot weather.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather.
'We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRSNMT, 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.
STV meteorologist Sean Batty echoed: 'With school holidays under way and events like TRNSMT, the Tiree Music Festival, and Orkney hosting the International Island Games, it's essential to take precautions if you're spending time outdoors. Use high-factor sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the risk of heatstroke.'
Meanwhile, officers were forced to smash the windows of a car to rescue two dogs suffering from heatstroke on Friday.
But help came too late for the pair, who died shortly after they were freed.
Members of the public raised the alarm at 1pm when they spotted a distressed Maltese and an Alsatian Lurcher Cross locked in a sweltering car in Linwood, Paisley.
With temperatures starting to soar on Thursday, the car's interior could have heated to 40C or higher - far above the safe threshold for dogs.
Officers rushed the animals to a nearby vet's but both were declared dead on arrival.
A 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman have been referred to the Procurator Fiscal and now face charges under animal cruelty offences.
With the heatwave set to intensify over the weekend, Police Scotland is urging animal-lovers to take extra precautions to keep their dogs safe in hot weather.
The Scottish SPCA warned that owners should avoid leaving dogs in cars at all costs, stressing that 'best way to avoid heat stroke or worse is to not risk it'.
A spokesman said: 'Even in the shade, temperatures can rise very quickly inside a vehicle. Leaving a bowl of water or leaving the window open is not enough to prevent your pet suffering from heat stroke or cardiac arrest.'
He continued: 'Whether you are nipping to the shop or going out for a few hours, it is not worth taking the chance. Leaving an animal in a hot car can have fatal consequences and lead to prosecution.'
Equal caution should be taken when walking dogs in hot weather, as more dogs die from hot walks than in hot cars.
The spokesman said: 'As a rule of thumb, you can walk your dog at any temperature below 20°C. Remember, the hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog.'
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