The east-west rainfall split for July was very pronounced. According to Met Office data, Loch Shiel received 201mm of rain, while Letham Grange in Angus saw just 42mm. Meanwhile, Dunbar in east Lothian and Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire received 60mm and 82mm of rain respectively, while Dunstaffnage in Argyll and Bute and Kinlochewe in the Highlands witnessed rainfall at twice those totals (see map). The UK as a whole has received 22% more than the July average rainfall.

NFU Scotland is calling on milk buyers to adopt a “common-sense approach to milk-price penalties” as wet weather hits production.

“We have been contacted by numerous concerned producers in recent days, some of whom have had to bring their cows inside to avoid damaging wet pasture, and are already feeding increased concentrates to help stall production losses,” milk policy manager George Jamieson said. “We believe it is harsh and insensitive to add price penalties to the burden.”

Meanwhile, the harvest has kicked off in some parts of Scotland and many farmers at agricultural shows have told the Farmers Journal Scotland they are happy with grain quality so far. We talked to farmers around the country to get their views on the weather outlook.

Stuart Wood, Orkney

“Orkney is looking well at the moment and the cattle are thriving. Apart from a couple thunder drops earlier in the week, it’s not too wet. There is plenty of grass and the spring crops look well.”

Davie Winton, Aberdeen

“The crops look tremendous from where they were at the end of May, after the drought in the springtime, they’ve really bulked up. Hopefully, it should be a good harvest, with plenty of straw for the livestock areas. The heads look good, a clean crop.”

Hugh Fraser, Inverness

“It’s been quite mixed here with a few showers, but overall we can’t complain, it’s been a good summer. Crops are looking good, spring ones probably better. Stock is doing well with the good grass.”

Arnott Coghill, Thurso

“We’re struggling with rain. I’ve been trying to get seed in on LFA ground, but the rain hasn’t given me a chance. People up here have been cutting winter barley on and off, but there have been heavy, heavy showers. Silage is all done, but there are a few farms still to clip sheep. It hasn’t been a good summer.”