Scotland has enjoyed its hottest day of the year so far amid a heatwave which has seen temperatures soar to 28C.

Aboyne in Aberdeenshire was the warmest part of the country on Thursday, beating 2017's previous best by 5C.

Sunseekers in the north west Highlands enjoyed temperatures of 26C, while the mercury rose to 25C in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

STV weather presenter Sean Batty said Scotland could be in for even warmer conditions on Friday.

"Most of the country has basked in glorious sunshine today with temperatures widely reaching 26C in the north west Highlands," he said.

"The highest temperature recorded of 28C in the Aboyne area of Aberdeenshire.

"That's by far the highest temperature this year, which was 23C up until today."

Despite summery weather in mainland Scotland, cloud hung on in the north, with temperatures in Shetland peaking at just 12C.

"There's a potential that most areas will see temperatures get a bit higher on Friday with the mercury reaching the mid to high 20s across the north Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire," Sean said.

"Temperatures may also exceed 25C in areas around Glasgow and Edinburgh.

"I reckon Friday could see this year's temperature record being broken again with a possibility of somewhere in the north of the country reaching 29C."

He added: "Unfortunately as we head into the weekend, the weather will turn more changeable with thundery rain spreading in from the south during Sat afternoon and evening.

"The north and north east will hang on to the sunnier weather until later in the day.

"There will be mixed weather for Sunday and Monday with more cloud around with some showers at time, but warm in any sunnier spells."