Anger after gathering of hundreds at green space

POLICE were called to a large gathering at a Dundee beauty spot after hundreds of young people defied Covid restrictions.

Witnesses reported that as many as 200 revellers congregated on Magdalen Green in the west end in what is thought to be a St Patrick’s Day celebration.

Several large groups, comprising of 20 or more people, were also spotted near to the bandstand, while scores of others were seen drinking openly and socialising without adhering to the required social distancing regulations.

One police vehicle attended the park at around 5.45pm with officers seen advising those gathered of the current coronavirus restrictions.

A resident who lives close to Magdalen Green said: “Police arrived at about 5.45pm but it was just one van. Two officers spoke to several groups of people, but I didn’t see anyone move on after being spoken to, so either the police didn’t say all that much or they were being ignored.

“There looked to be a BBQ smoking as well and some of them were playing a bit of football.”

A couple visiting the area with their young child, who asked not to be named, questioned the legality of the gathering.

“We thought you were supposed to be standing two metres apart?” one asked. “That clearly isn’t happening here.

“We were going to go for a walk in the park with our daughter because it’s a nice evening, but there’s no way we’re walking into that now.

“They have basically made the park their own without a thought for other people who don’t want to use it as a party place.”

West End councillor Richard McCready was “disappointed” after witnessing the gathering for himself.

He said: “I was at the Green at around 6pm and it was very busy indeed with lots of groups across the area.

“I accept that it has been a difficult time for many who have not seen friends and been able to socialise and that there has been recent relaxation of the restrictions.

“But it’s vital we don’t let our guard down after doing so much and continue to do everything we can to stay safe as we near the end of what has been a difficult time for us all.

“It was somewhat disappointing to see the amount of rubbish that had been left across the green.”

Fellow councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “I’m very concerned at this large gathering. I have been in touch with Police Scotland and I think it’s vitally important that people adhere to the rules about social distancing because of the very obvious health reasons at the moment.”

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Some of the hundreds of revellers who descended on Magdalen Green yesterday.

Those who attended were criticised.