Summer sun is real boost for business

The beautiful weather is continuing to have a positive impact on businesses across Scotland.

Retail figures show sales have risen to their highest level in more than two years.

THE SUNSHINE has continued to have a positive impact on businesses across Scotland.

Retail figures released yesterday show that sales rose to their highest level in more than two years in June.

Warm weather and a “steady rise in consumer confidence” has resulted in a steady increase of 2.8% year on year, almost matching the 2.9% rise for the UK as a whole.

The news comes a day after The Courier revealed the benefits scorching temperatures and sunny days have brought to the local tourism industry.

A number of businesses across Tayside, Fife and central Scotland reported increases in footfall of up to 40%.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust is enjoying its most successful summer in more than seven years.

A spokesperson said: “Fife’s beaches are the busiest they have been in more than seven years thanks to the sunshine we’ve been experiencing.

“At Aberdour Silver Sands over the weekends and this past holiday Monday, for example, there have been more than 1,000 cars recorded in the car park meaning thousands of visitors each day.

“It is fantastic to see so many people enjoying our wonderful beaches, which stretch the length of the Fife Coastal Path.”

Although many are welcoming the warm weather, there is a darker side to the sunshine. Wildfire flared up in the Highlands between Laggan and Dalwhinnie over the weekend and more than 50 firefighters battled to control it.

This led to Scottish Land and Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across the country, issuing guidelines on how to tackle the threat of blazes.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith warned locals and visitors to be aware of the “tinderbox conditions”.

The heat has also led to an increase in emergency admissions to hospital, with sunstroke and sunburn key complaints.

Temperatures could soar to highs of 27C today and although forecasters have warned of an increasing chance of coastal haar in the east, Saturday and Sunday will be “dry, hot and sunny”.

Picture: John Stevenson. Fun in the sun: Gary Biggs from Dundee with daughter Lily-Grace and friend Erin Paterson at Stonehaven’s outdoor swimming pool.