Thousands of sun-worshippers flocked to a busy Edinburgh beach on Tuesday as highs of over 20C across the country marked the hottest day of the year so far.
It was no surprise to see locals turn out with picnic rugs, inflatable toys and barbecue's on Portobello Beach as images taken on May 30 show the sand awash with bodies.
An aerial shot of the beach captured just how busy it was despite the toasty conditions presenting themselves during the week when most residents were tied up at work.
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Other local beauty spots such as The Meadows and Holyrood Park also saw an influx in visitors as Scotland and other parts of the UK saw its hottest day of the year. In the country, highs of 24C were recorded before June has even arrived.
In Edinburgh, temperatures of 19C and 20C were seen throughout most of the day, with residents across the capital dusting off their fans in preparation for stifling summer nights that are looming.
The good news is that the warm temperatures are to continue throughout the week and possibly even the weekend, but they are not considered to be 'heatwave' conditions just yet, according to the Met Office.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: "We've got high pressure sending across at the moment, which is bringing dry and settled weather and some late spring, early summer sunshine.
"We're expecting similar conditions for the rest of the week and into next weekend and probably beyond. So an extended spell of dry and settled weather."
According to the site's forecast for Wednesday, the hottest day of the year could could be surpassed already with 'plenty of sunshine developing' and maximum temperatures of 23C on the cards.
The outlook for the rest of the week reads: "Remaining dry with plenty of sunshine over the coming days, overnight low cloud in the east burning off through the mornings. Mostly warm, but cooler near North Sea coasts."
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