Scotland hotter than Majorca

Scottish sun lovers are having to go no further than their back garden this week as the country is basking in a heatwave. Scotland's heatwave looks set to last until tomorrow at least, with inland areas the warmest. Yesterday saw temperatures in the North rising above 20C, with coastal areas following closely behind at 18C. Ballater Climatological Station claimed the village enjoyed temperatures as high as 24.5C yesterday. Readings in sheltered Highland glens were similar, comparing well with those of Mediterranean resorts. Speyside was hotter than much of Spain, including the Costa del Sol at 21C and Majorca at 22C. Scores of early-season holidaymakers took to the sands at Nairn, while building workers soaked up the sun at the new £50million shopping mall currently being built in Inverness city centre. In comparison, England's South Coast was experiencing some cloud, with temperatures sticking around 18C. The Northern Isles missed out on the glorious weather. Readings in Lerwick were as low as 11C. A Met Office spokesman said yesterday: “Friday will see the weather starting to break up. Over the weekend, showers will continue and the temperatures will turn cooler.”