Beauty spot car parks are shut off

Woodland Trust Scotland has been forced to close two car parks at sites in Perth and Kinross to stop people flouting lockdown rules.

Although residents are allowed out for one piece of exercise every day, this should be done near your home and should not involve driving to beauty spots.

However, the organisation has been forced to close the car parks at Moncreiffe Hill in Perth, Kinclaven Bluebell Wood between Stanley and Kinclaven, and Huntly Woods in Longforgan.

A spokesperson for Woodland Trust Scotland said:“All of our woods remain available for people living in the vicinity to take their daily exercise, but in line with government advice, nobody should be driving to sites from a wider area.

“During the current emergency it’s important to stay local – please don’t travel in your car to take exercise. Make use of the paths, open spaces and quiet roads in your own local area.

“Stay at least two metres away from others and try to avoid busy times at popular paths or places.”

Official government advice on exercise states that residents should:

• Stay local – do not travel in your car to take exercise; make use of the paths, open spaces and quiet roads in your own local area.

• Maintain your distance – stay at least two metres away from other people and, if possible, try to avoid busy times on popular paths or places.

• Respect the health and safety of farmers and others working the land – follow all reasonable requests and signs to avoid particular areas, such as farmyards, fields with pregnant or young livestock, and other busy working areas.

• Keep your dog under control

– put them on a lead or keep them close at heel and do not let them approach other people or livestock.

• Avoid contact – try to avoid touching surfaces and if possible plan a route that does not require you to open gates.