Sun shines down on Scotland

Published on Saturday 11 July 2009 11:49

LAST month was the sixth sunniest June ever recorded and a degree warmer than average, according to weather watchers.

The figures also showed that rainfall for Scotland as a whole was lower than normal, the Met Office said.

Environmental organisation WWF Scotland said if the remainder of the year followed the pattern of the previous six months, then 2009 would be the eighth warmest on record.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "June was very sunny, with a very warm finish. Overall it was a full degree warmer than the long-term average.

" Already July has been a mix of heatwave, torrential downpour and flooding.

"If the second half of the year follows the pattern of the last six months 2009 would end up as the eighth warmest year on record.

"June was a really important month because the Scottish Climate Change Bill had its final vote in the Scottish Parliament.

"We can all be proud of the example that Scotland is setting with this Bill."