Public urged to avoid busy areas and beauty spots amid heatwave

Police have urged the public to avoid busy areas and beauty spots as lockdown measures are eased and temperatures rise.

From Friday, Scotland will enter the first phase of a four-step plan to lift coronavirus restrictions, with Scots allowed to sunbathe, play certain sports and meet people from other households outdoors in parks and gardens.

The move coincides with a period of warm weather, with temperatures set to hit 24C in some places.

But Police Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has warned of overcrowding at parks, beaches and lochs.

“We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices until now, and while the temptation may be to head straight for one of our beauty spots, we would ask people to use their judgment and avoid going to places which are normally busy during the good weather,” he said.

“Complying with the legislation about meeting only one other household outdoors at any one time and following the Scottish Government’s guidance about avoiding travelling long distances will stop our parks, beaches, lochs and hills from becoming overcrowded and help ensure appropriate physical distancing is maintained, reducing the spread of coronavirus.

“We want people to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and our officers will be robustly tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

He added that officers will continue to” explain legislation and guidance” to the public and “encourage compliance”.

“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation,” he said. “We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures.”