Wester Ross is Britain’s hot spot

But storm force winds due

A remote part of the Highlands recorded the highest temperature in the UK yesterday as the country finally waved-off the Beast from the East and headed outside to enjoy the sunshine.

The mercury topped 19C at Kinlochewe in Wester Ross yesterday lunchtime, marking the highest recorded temperature in Scotland so far this year and the highest for the UK yesterday.

Parks and beaches were packed with people enjoying the sunny spell on what was the final day of school holidays for many school children across the region.

Kinloss also basked in the sunshine with a high of 18.2C, while temperatures in Aviemore reached 17.3C.

The respite will, however, be shortlived as we can look forward to a colder start to the week today and rain can be expected until Wednesday in most parts.

Met Office forecaster Craig Snell did offer some hope for the end of the week though and predicts that “temperatures in the high teens” could be seen in Aberdeen and Moray on Thursday.

He said: “The temperatures we are expecting over the coming days are pretty much average for this time of year.

“Monday is expected to be much cloudier, with temperatures hovering around low to mid-teens – so still fairly mild.

“Gale force winds can also be expected around Glasgow. Thursday looks much more promising for the north-east and temperatures should be climbing again, not to the headline figures down in the south of England, but a decent spell of sunshine.

“Aberdeen should reach 17C on Thursday and Moray could get back up to 18C, although it could feel warmer in sheltered spots.”

In contrast to yesterday’s warm temperatures, ferry chaos is being predicted as the Western Isles face gales this week.

Wind speeds are set to increase today with a force-eight gale expected on Tuesday, touching force nine or even storm level off Uist and Barra.

The Oban to Lochboisdale ferry has been cancelled today and more disruption is likely as wave heights off Barra will be “above operational limits”, according to ferry operator CalMac.

Depending on updated forecasts, further disruptions may also be expected tomorrow.

Visit www.calmac.co.uk for more information.

Photograph by Kenny Elrick BEACH GIRL: Chloe Beattie, six, had fun at Aberdeen.

Finlay Ledingham leaps into the sea at Lossiemouth