Stewartry beaches packed as heatwave sends temperatures soaring

The Stewartry’s beaches were packed this week as a heatwave hit Scotland.

Revellers flocked to the shore desperate to soak up some of the sun with Threave in Castle Douglas seeing temperatures of 31.2 degrees celsius on Tuesday.

And during Monday night the temperature reached 20.5 degrees at Dundrennan – less than half a degree off the overnight Scottish record.

The high temperatures saw the Met Office issuing a rare amber weather warning for extreme heat.

And health officials also encouraged people to take care in the sun.

A busy Sandyhills on Monday (Bobby Geddes)

Public health consultant Dr Andrew Rideout said: “Hot weather can pose risks, particularly to some of the most vulnerable people living in the region.

“Risks can range from sunburn through to dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially heat stroke.

“Key advice to everyone is to drink plenty of refreshing liquids throughout the day. Please note, though, both alcohol and caffeine can make dehydration worse.

“Anyone who is not passing urine four times a day should increase their fluid intake and this will be especially true if their mouth and tongue feel dry.”

Other advice included wearing appropriate clothing, staying in the shade and using a high factor of suncream.