With a bitter cold spell just around the corner, many Scots will want to make sure that they are keeping themselves and their loved ones warm. Temperatures could drop to a bone-chilling -10C over the next few days, according to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin.
A yellow warning is in place for Wednesday and Thursday, as many parts of the Highlands are expected to be hit with snow and ice. There is also a separate yellow warning for ice, which will cover much of the East of Scotland.
STV weatherman Sean Batty previously warned of early December snow and urged Scots to look out for "vulnerable" people. With energy bills at record highs many people across the country will try to keep warm without turning up the thermostat too much.
Here are just some of the free things that you can do to keep yourself warm amid the upcoming cold snap.
Layer up
An extra jumper, a pair of thick socks or a base layer can go a long way during colder spells. The British Heart Foundation recommends sticking to wool, cotton or fleece fabrics.
They also suggest wearing multiple layers rather than putting on a single thick item. Although, if you are very cold a hat and scarf can also help.
Check out your windows and doors
Plugging up any gaps in your windows or doors can help keep heat in your home. Drawing your curtains will also help keep it warmer, although you should keep them open if the sun is shining in.
According to the Energy Saving Trust you can hire a professional to draught proof your windows, doors, cracks in your floors and skirting boards for £225, which will save you around £125 a year in bills.
Keep moving
By keeping active you can burn more energy in your body, which creates heat and helps to keep you warm. If it's possible, a short jog around the block will heat you up more than sitting still.
However, it is not advisable to go out and about during any of the yellow warnings for snow and ice, so you may be better off working out at home.
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Heat the person, not the room
As long as you are warm it is less important that the air around you is warm. It will be a lot more effective to use hot water bottles and electric blankets to keep warm at night than heating your entire home at night.
Wearing pyjamas can also be a good way to keep a little warmer in bed if you are not normally in the habit of doing so.
Be smart with your central heating
Turning down your thermostat too low can be dangerous, especially if you have vulnerable people at home, so be careful about letting your home get too cold. However, reducing the temperature on your thermostat by just a degree or two could likely save you hundreds of pounds this winter.
Also, there is no point spending money heating rooms that you rarely use. So close doors around your home and turn down the radiators in the rooms where you spend less time. That way you can focus on keeping your bedroom, or other more well-used rooms warmer instead.
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