Cairngorms: despite the sunshine temperatures dropped below freezing
The Cairngorms have welcomed the first few flakes of snow this season - in August.
Temperatures on the highest peaks in the Highlands began dropping below freezing on Saturday night into Sunday morning. The mountains more than 1100 metres high in the area saw a light powder of the white stuff.
The first snow of the winter has fallen "extremely" early this year. Geoff Monk of Mountain Weather Info Service said last weekend's wind gave the Munro's a winter-feel.
The weather expert, who would not be surprised if the tops of Glen Nevis had some snow too this weekend, said snow in August is a rare occasion.
He said: "It is not normal, but it's not unheard of either. It is something that happens about once every two decades. Basically there can be snow in the Cairngorms any time of year, even July can have a snow shower. But it is very unusual.
"People who were up there really had to be wearing their winter clothes. It was very cold up there."
Mr Monk does not advise skiing fans to get their equipment ready yet. He said: "The fresh snow has already gone.
"There are some patches left from last winter, which is normal, but these are very small. And there is no evidence that there will be any more snow in the next couple of days."
