Public urged to obey rules on driving to countryside

Charity issues reminder that Scots are under different restrictions to England

The independent environmental charity that manages many popular walking routes and nature reserves in Fife is reminding the public they should “stay local” and not drive to take exercise during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT), which cares for sites and paths including the Fife Coastal Path and Lomond Hills Regional Park, has followed Scottish Government guidance by closing car parks and erecting notices.

But FCCT head of communities and engagement James Dawson told The Courier a “tiny minority” of people were still “confused” by the guidelines or were flouting them and driving to beauty spots anyway – risking Covid-19 spread.

Cars were recently parked on the verge by the closed Craigmead car park in the Lomonds.

And Mr Dawson said subsequent incidents saw cones at the Glen Vale car park, near Gateside, “tossed” aside, closed signs torn down and littering.

He thinks some Scots are confused as English guidelines say you can drive out to exercise, which is not the case here.

“The key message we are trying to get out is making sure people are aware of the Scottish Government guidelines and how Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code is being affected,” said Mr Dawson.

“We are hugely appreciative of the sacrifice people are making at this challenging time. But we are also seeing a small minority when we are out and about who are not.

“We are trying to educate people and engage if they are parking in a site we’ve closed off.

“We are also working with a number of partner agencies such as Forestry and Land Scotland, the Links Trust and Police Scotland to keep an eye out for damaging behaviour in the areas we manage, such as fly-tipping, vandalism, littering and wildlife crime.

“We ask that people enjoy the Fife countryside... it is so important for physical and mental health and wellbeing. However, we also ask that people help us look after the Fife countryside at this difficult time and are aware of their responsibilities”.

With some woodland in Fife similarly affected, Robin Lofthouse, Forestry and Land Scotland area visitor services manager, said: “All of our car parks, mountain bike trails and all visitor facilities remain closed in line with government requirements.

“We appreciate fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and wellbeing. Local forest trails are open for local visitors who can get to one of our forests by walking, by bicycle or by wheelchair – as long as physical distance guidelines are followed.”

Cars parked up on the verges near the Craigmead car park in the Lomonds, which has been closed to discourage people from driving out to the countryside for walks during the lockdown.