Sun-seekers have been enjoying a second day of scorching weather as temperatures in Aviemore soared to nearly 30C.
Loch Morlich beach has been packed with families and holidaymakers this week eager to make the most of the heat wave.
Temperatures at the Highland beauty spot reached highs of 27C on Tuesday; one of the highest recorded in the north.
Residents and tourists in Aviemore were also basking in similar conditions.
On Tuesday afternoon, people began to see a few rain showers ahead of thunderstorms forecast in the evening.
Officials from Forestry and Land Scotland said it may not have been the busiest they had seen the beach – but space was still at a premium on the sand.
‘We couldn’t have chosen a better week’
Monika Campbell and her five kids swapped the tranquility of Loch Lomond for the “stunning landscapes” of Loch Morlich this week.
The family are currently enjoying a week-long holiday in Boat of Garten.
The 50-year-old audiologist said they had picked the best week to take their summer break.
She said: “We are actually from Balloch, Loch Lomond so we thought we would come up here for a wee change of scene. We couldn’t have chosen a better week. It is fantastic.
“I was at Loch Morlich about a month ago with my sister. There were literally just around 20 people on the beach and it was a nice day but obviously it is glorious.
“This scenery is stunning isn’t it.”
Lyndsay McKay from Aberdeen is also among the dozens of families enjoying a break in the area.
The 40-year-old was having a day at the beach with her children, her husband, her parents and her nieces and nephews.
She said: “We are having a great time.
“It is spacious, it is just a nice place. People are friendly.
“We went to Landmark yesterday and it was absolutely boiling but it was good because they had the water flumes and things so the kids could cool down.
“We are doing alright with the heat. We are just making the most of it with loose clothes, drinking plenty of water, if we’re too hot, we are going into the shade; it is just common sense.”
Meanwhile, 85-year-old Donny Feris and his 78-year-old wife Irene were also out enjoying the sun.
The couple from Newmains in North Lanarkshire are currently on their summer break in Aviemore.
They hope the glorious weather continues.
She said: “We are thoroughly enjoying it. Long may it last.”
Parking facilities surrounding the popular beauty spot have been scarce in recent days as people flocked to grab their space on the beach.
Access to the main car park was restricted to drop-offs only from 10:30am this morning as it reached capacity.
Glenmore Campsite has been packed with campers relishing in the conditions with local hospital vendors and attractions also reaping the rewards.
Climate change concerns
As people enjoy the warm weather, considerations have also been made to how climate change is affecting the country.
James Munro from Elgin was enjoying a nice relaxing day at Loch Morlich with his family.
Touching on the issue of climate change, the 42-year-old project manager thinks more needs to be done to protect our surroundings from depleting and causing further “damage.”
He said: “I believe that we need to be doing more to make it cleaner. We are causing damage.
Many sites across the country have now beaten the previous temperature record of 38.7 °C, with temperatures rising above 40 °C for the first time 👇 pic.twitter.com/RRXFBykGbJ
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 19, 2022
“Carbon is obviously a massive thing but I think we should be trying to encourage certain youngsters to get back to basics again.”
Mrs Campbell from Loch Lomond echoed his calls and feels people need to make a change to help make a difference.
She said: “We were actually discussing on the way up in the car how extreme the temperatures are and how terrifying it is.
“We do recycle and use our bikes and do as much as we can but we still all need to do more.”
Conversation