A new high Borders on ridiculous
ON the day Scotland experienced its hottest temperature ever, we visited the site of the former record holder.
The Met Office last night confirmed Charterhall in the Borders had provisionally set a new high of 34.8C.
Located 17 miles to the south, we checked out the weather station in the district’s Greycrook which registered 32.9C in August 2003.
At 2pm yesterday the mercury levels had climbed to a blistering 34.5C at the station, which lies in a field near a veterinary practice.
It’s understood the Met Office no longer uses the device as part of its monitoring system.
However, three thermometers were still operational inside and each displayed the same sweltering total.
The Record also used a digital thermometer which gave a matching reading.
Some locals in nearby St Boswells delighted in the weather while others called it a “nightmare”.
Bev Diamond, 54, who owns an interiors shop, said: “I lived in Spain for a year so I love it.
“I wouldn’t have it like this all the time, but it’s lovely for a little burst.”
Richard Raw, 47, who works at a newsagent, said: “I’m a fan of the hot weather. I’ve run 83 marathons so like to train in these conditions and cycle too.”
But others were less keen on the recordbusting temperatures.
Stuart Robson, 43, a former soldier who lives in the village, said: “I stay indoors on days like this. A lot of people will go to the River Tweed on a day like this and enjoy the water but not me. It’s a nightmare, the worst weather I can ever remember.
“I have four kids and I’ve got a paddling pool for them, but I’ll go and have a nice cold bath.”
Sally Struth, 34, a vet nurse, said: “Working in this heat is not going so well. We’re busy and our practice has to limit the number of fans we use for clinical reasons so it’s difficult to work indoors.”