...and police bust more than 5,000 house parties

MORE than 5,000 house parties have been broken up since tough laws banning the gatherings came into force six months ago.

Officers went to 8,643 incidents between August 28 last year and February 3 and broke up 5,066 events, Police Scotland figures show.

A total of 4,759 fixed penalty notices were given to those caught flouting social distancing rules and 298 people were arrested.

Police were called to 92 illegal parties on Hogmanay.

On January 30, 104 of the 195 house parties officers attended were found to be breaching restrictions.

Now, as the country approaches the first anniversary of the pandemic, police are urging the public to stick to the rules.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: ‘The past year has been exceptional for everyone and we fully recognise the impact the restrictions are having on people’s lives. The vast majority of the public have been following the law.

‘However, it is clear that significant sacrifices are still needed to help suppress the spread of coronavirus.

‘The Chief Constable has made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed.

‘Police Scotland officers will continue to use their common sense and discretion while encouraging people to take personal responsibility and follow the regulations.

‘Where officers encounter wilful breaches they will act decisively to enforce the law.’

Police Scotland was granted new powers by the Government on August 28 to break up large house parties that contravene social gathering restrictions. From that date they have carried out additional monitoring of ‘house party’ incidents.