Eight arrests for lockdown snub

Eight people across the Tayside region have been arrested for flouting lockdown rules on social distancing, it has been revealed.

And 69 people had been issued with penalty notices across the region up until Friday as police look to make sure folk do not put others at risk.

Despite the figures, Tayside divisional commander CS Andrew Todd said the vast majority of the public were cooperating with social distancing.

And he urged people not to be tempted to ignore the advice.

He said:“The public’s response in Tayside has been excellent - the majority have accepted police advice and only on very rare occasions have officers had to issue warnings or take enforcement action.

“We all continue to find ourselves in an extraordinary situation and we know people are making significant sacrifices in their day-to-day lives as the restrictions continue.

“Police Scotland officers will continue to work hard to explain, educate and encourage people to comply with the guidance where necessary. Enforcement action will be used as a last resort and only where people continue to flout the regulations and fail to comply repeatedly with police direction.

“In line with the rest of the country, our patrols continue at key locations including beaches, dog walking areas, parks and other green spaces.

“I appreciate that as the restrictions persist and the weather continues to be so good, it may feel tempting to spend more time outdoors and to visit the countless beauty spots we are fortunate to have across Tayside.

“However the message is clear - you should only leave the house for very limited purposes including buying basic necessities such as food and medicine, for daily exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home. Do not travel to take exercise and do not hold gatherings with people from outwith your household.”