INCREDIBLE images of the Glasgow Science Centre oozing a pitch-like substance have emerged as Scotland is hit with record-high temperatures.

The blazing heat could reach temperatures last seen in 1893, breaking the record of 32.2C in Ochertyre. Glasgow is expected to be one of the areas that will see the highest temperatures.

As well as the Glasgow Science Centre appearing to melt, speed restrictions are in place along rail routes as the intense heat has caused the tracks to warp.

David Dickson, Network Rail's infrastructure director for the ScotRail Alliance, said: "On very sunny days, rails in direct sunshine can be as much as 20 degrees centigrade above air temperature causing the steel to expand markedly and could, if not carefully monitored and action taken, buckle causing travel disruption.

"Our engineers and specialist extreme weather teams are monitoring track-side temperatures and vulnerable locations and will, if necessary, introduce temporary speed restrictions during the hottest part of the day to keep trains running, albeit more slowly than normal."

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far, though it is expected that today may beat that.

Aviemore reached 31C, making it the hottest single day in five years.