The big freeze is believed to have been behind a doubling of the average viewing figures for BBC Scotland news flagship, Reporting Scotland - a record high during the last ten years. 

Yesterday's edition of the programme attracted an estimated 933,000 viewers, almost twice the average for last year, at 480,000. And TV bosses are putting it down to people desperate to find out more about the wintry conditions.

As it was, a larger-than-expected audience had been anticipated for yesterday, as people prepared to return to work today. Audiences are also generally higher in the winter months. 

Says Atholl Duncan, head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland: "The programme has been going from strength to strength over the last year and we are delighted so many people are coming to us for all their news.

"Clearly these figures are exceptionally high due to the extraordinary weather - that has been the big news story for so many people across the country. Our news teams have gone the extra mile, bringing the news from far and wide and keeping viewers up to date with the latest developments."

The average audience for Reporting Scotland the year before last was 465,000.