Scots could be treated to "a great display" this autumn as the leaves are set to exhibit an array of seasonal colours due to the weather.
Experts from the National Trust for Scotland say that there are signs the season could be full of trees turning rustic reds and glowing golds if conditions persist.
Chris Wardle, landscape manager for the National Trust for Scotland, said there could be an 'excellent fireworks of autumn colour' thanks to a sunny summer and mild winds.
He said: “As with anything in nature this is almost impossible to predict. There are signs that it could be a good autumn again.
"Many trees have suffered great stress after the long prolonged dry spells over the summer but the increased sunshine also has had the effect of helping trees produce vital extra sugars which, if the weather patterns are right - could break down in the leaves to produce the excellent fireworks of autumn colour."
The heritage charity, which maintains Scotland's parks, forests and green spaces, said the milder weather the country has seen this summer and early autumn play a role in the picturesque display.
The expert, who is based in Aberdeen and Angus, added: “So far, there is little sign of the high winds that occurred last autumn and early spring, which means that leaves may have a chance to stay on the trees to change colour."
The first day of autumn officially falls on September 23, meaning the days are set to shorten significantly and temperatures will drop, which contribute to the leaves' changing colours.
Chris concluded: "If we start to get some colder temperatures in conjunction with the shorter days and lower light levels we could well be in for a great display.”
During the summer, leaves produce a chemical called chlorophyll which gives them their vibrant green colour and helps them to absorb sunlight.
But the loss of sun towards winter stops the production of this chemical in leaves, resulting in the loss of their green shades.
Pigments that lay dormant during the summer come out which create the beautiful red, yellow and brown hues we associate with autumn leaves.
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