Scotland is odds-on for a White Christmas this year

A flurry of betting has brought betting prices tumbling with the experts now expecting a snowfall north of the border on 25 December.

William Hill has slashed the odds for snow in Glasgow from 7-4 to 8-11 and for Aberdeen from 7-4 to 5-6.

A company spokesman said forecasts of snow for the big day and some substantial bets had forced it to tighten its odds.

Festive favourite

He said: "A combination of forecasts for snow on 25 December and some substantial bets, giving us a potential six-figure payout if it happens, has forced us to make a White Christmas an odds-on shot for the first time anyone at the company can remember - at least for quarter of a century."

Various reputable weather forecasters are predicting rain and snow showers for next Saturday.

The last decade has seen widespread snow at Christmas five times in the UK, compared with only once during the previous 20 years.

However, for those betting against a White Christmas, there is the chance to put money on a record-high Christmas Day temperature.

William Hill is offering 10-1 if the record of 15.5C (60F), set in 1920 at Killington in Devon, is beaten.