As Scotland's heatwave rages on, you may have noticed more sunworshipers going "taps aff" in parks to make the most of the good weather.
While removing some layers to stay cool is a common occurrence, the rules are slightly stricter for those who want to bare all, even in the privacy of your own home. Police have offered some advice for those who want to sunbathe nude in their own back gardens, reports the Mirror.
While it's not a legal offence to be partially or fully naked in Scotland in public you need to be cautious to not cause "distress or alarm" to others such as neighbours - as this is breaches a common law offence concerning public decency.
While those who prefer to go nude, dubbed naturists, have the right to express their beliefs, they must ensure that they aren't making others uncomfortable or left feeling harassed.
Therefore, even if you are sunbathing nude on your own property, if this upsets a neighbour who can get a full view, it could land you in hot water.
So, what can you do to make sure you're not breaking the law while sunbathing naked?
The Crown Prosecution Service says: “In the case of naturism a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress.”
The advice from the police is to let your neighbours know what you're up to before you head out into the sunshine with no clothes on, as this will hopefully avoid any awkward situations.
They said: “If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful,”.
They add: “In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police.
“In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions."
Police also suggest sunbathing in a part of your garden that is screened from view. They say: "You will have to decide whether your desire to be naked in your garden is more important to you than being on friendly terms with those around you."
The law is clear in that an offence is only possible if the naked person had the intention to cause alarm or distress.
British Naturism adds: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest nor can your neighbours make you cover-up.
"Being neighbourly might mean you tell your neighbours that you plan to sunbathe naked but there is no obligation to do so, so don’t hesitate.
"Studies have shown that spending time naked is good for you and so we encourage everyone to take advantage of the wonderful weather and celebrate their uniqueness."
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