Adventure-loving Brits have helped outdoor chain Mountain Warehouse post a major hike in profits.
The company which has shops in Dundee, Perth and Dunfermline yesterday reported a 75% leap in pre-tax profits to £7.6 million in the year to the end of February.
Sales rose 17% to £75m in the period.
This followed a surge in demand for fleeces and walking boots as shoppers tried to protect themselves against the worst of the British weather.
Strong trading has since continued, with underlying sales up more than 10% this year.
The group plans to open another 20 stores and add 150 more staff over the next financial year to boost its network of 160 sites.
Chief executive Mark Neale said: “The weather has been pretty favourable to us.
“We like a bit of cold and wet because we sell stuff to keep you warm and dry,” he added.
“Despite all the talk about the death of the high street, in our experience there is still plenty of life in many towns up and down the country.”