Scots issued safety warnings during busy summer heatwave weekend 

Emergency services have issued warnings to Scots as the country prepares for a heatwave weekend packed with events.

Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and NHS Scotland are among the authorities warning about various dangers during the extreme heat.

With many expected to flock to Scottish beauty spots such as Loch Lomond, officers have relaunched Operation Ballaton.

The multi-agency operation aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and maintain a visible presence in key areas throughout the summer months.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s biggest music festival TRNSMT kicks off on Friday, with temperatures to reach as high as 30C across the weekend.

Organisers are warning concertgoers to be mindful of the warm weather and to stay hydrated and use protection against the sun.

Fire crews are also warning that barbeques, which require naked flames, should only be used with great care.

It comes after wildfires spread across northern parts of Scotland during recent warm weather.

Inspector Colin Cameron, of Police Scotland, said: “Officers will be on high-visibility patrol throughout the summer, supported by our partners, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately.

“We are clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use every tool available to prevent it and take action when necessary.

“We understand that recent incidents involving serious violence among young people in other parts of Scotland have caused concern. Through Operation Ballaton, we will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed, working closely with partners to address any issues that arise and to ensure the public can feel confident and safe in this area.

“Young people are often among those who travel to the area in groups, particularly in warmer weather. While many behave responsibly, we know this is not always the case.

“We are asking parents and carers to take the time to speak to their children and young people about the risks of getting involved in disorder — and the very real consequences it can have for victims, communities and their own futures.”

Inspector Victoria Graham, British Transport Police, added: “Everyone has the right to visit to these beautiful parts of the country without fear of disruptive or criminal behaviour. We’re proud to commit to this operation with our trusted partners once again, and our officers will be working to keep the public safe and deter any disorderly behaviour.

“We ask people to be respectful of staff and passengers travelling to enjoy the area during the good weather, and to be responsible with their alcohol consumption. Parents are also asked to keep track of where their kids are going and what they’re up to.

“We want all visitors to enjoy themselves, but where there are instances of criminality, we encourage staff and passengers to report crimes or concerns to us, so we can take action. We have officers across the rail network, at stations and on trains, and crimes can be discreetly reported to us via text 61016, and in an emergency, always call 999.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group commander Raymond King said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

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“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires, as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.”

Ahead of TRNSMT, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urged music fans to stay safe by protecting themselves from the sun and staying hydrated.

Dr Emilia Crichton, director of public health, said: “This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather.

“No matter what you’re doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand.

“We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time.

“We ask festival-goers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely.”

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The Scottish Government is also raising awareness of the dangers of spiking as part of a coordinated effort to protect the public during the busy summer events season.

Victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “We are aware of the concern in spiking cases that the link between health professionals and Police Scotland has not always been clear to victims

“We are therefore introducing changes to the NHS system which will allow us to record those who present to A&E as potential victims of spiking. This will provide invaluable data on previous unrecorded incidents and will allow us to better understand the extent to which these lead on to formal police reporting.

“We remain committed to raising awareness of and addressing issues around spiking, and urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay safe as they enjoy the summer and festival period.”

Insight Sean Batty STV News Meteorologist

Scotland is on track to officially meet heatwave criteria this weekend for the first time this summer.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 25C or higher for at least three consecutive days. This means many parts of the country will experience their warmest conditions of the year so far.

With school holidays under way and events like TRNSMT, the Tiree Music Festival, and Orkney hosting the International Island Games, it’s essential to take precautions if you’re spending time outdoors.

Use high-factor sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the risk of heatstroke.

Temperatures will reach the mid-20s on Friday across eastern areas such as Aberdeenshire, Fife, and Edinburgh.

But Saturday is when there will be significant heat.

It looks like Shawlands, Rutherglen, Govan, Crookston, Pollokshields and Aviemore might be some of the hottest spots this Saturday.

You can expect temperatures to climb as high as 30C in Glasgow, Stirlingshire, Angus, and parts of the Highlands.

Sunday is likely to be the hottest day of this spell, with a strong chance of hitting 30C — which would be the first time this year.

Aviemore, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, and the north Highlands are the most likely candidates to reach this mark.

A slight dip in temperatures may occur along the east coast on Sunday due to a developing North Sea breeze, bringing a risk of haar to the northeast.

Nights will remain uncomfortably warm, particularly in the west, where overnight lows could stay in the high teens through much of the night, making for difficult sleeping conditions.

This weekend will also bring very high pollen counts and the highest UV levels of the year, just weeks after the summer solstice.

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