As the political debate heats up across Scotland, so has the weather – with warm temperatures forecast to continue into next week.
Across the north and north-east, the mercury reached as high as 20C yesterday – four degrees higher than average for this time of year.
Sun-seekers taking advantage of the hot spell soaked up the rays at beaches and parks across the region.
In Aberdeen, temperatures hit 18C yesterday. Conditions were even warmer inland – reaching as high as 20C in Fort Augustus.
The average for September is closer to 14C.
And although some cloud is on the way in time for Friday, the north is expected to enjoy the mild streak into early next week at least.
Laura Young, spokeswoman for the MET Office, said: “What we are seeing is some very benign and pleasant weather across the whole of the UK.
“It’s not unusual to have fine weather in September, but these temperatures are a few degrees warmer than usual – on Friday, it is expected to reach up to 19C in Aviemore, when usually it would stay around the mid to late teens.
“It will generally be warmer inland where it’s more sheltered but even on the coast – in places Banff – it will still reach 18 or 19C.
“However, it is too early for an Indian Summer, which people sometimes mistakenly call a pleasant spell in early September.
“This tends to take place in October or perhaps even early November, traditionally after we’ve had the first frost.”
Today will bring a similar picture across the north and north-east, with overnight mist and low cloud gradually burning off to leave prolonged periods of sunshine and temperatures of up to 20C.
In the Highlands, cloud is not expected to build up until later today.
Friday will prove mainly cloudy, but with sunny intervals breaking through.
Temperatures will remain pleasant and the weekend is expected to stay dry with the possibility of the odd shower going in to next week.
In July, the north and north-east enjoyed its hottest day of the year so far – with temperatures peaking at 26C.
The current record for September in Aberdeen is 25.6C, which was set in 1955.