Police break up weekend gatherings

The Fife public have been warned to stick with lockdown rules after police had to break up gatherings across the region at the weekend.

People took to their cars to take advantage of the good weather and flocked to the kingdom’s beauty spots on Saturday and Sunday, disregarding Scottish Government advice that exercise should only be taken close to home.

Devilla Forest near Kincardine proved popular and locals reported seeing officers moving visitors on.

Groups were also spotted in Riverside Park in Glenrothes, Balbirnie Park in Markinch and Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy, while beaches were also said to be busy.

Police said that while the majority of people were complying with the guidelines, they would maintain a strong presence in communities to remind those who were not of the stay at home message.

MSPs have also urged people to heed the guidance, which now states people in Scotland can leave home twice a day to exercise as long as they do not travel to do so.

Superintendent Sandy Brodie thanked people for their “ongoing commitment and support” to slowing the spread of coronavirus.

“The co-operation we’ve seen from our communities is generally very high, both in Fife and right across Scotland, but we need this level of compliance with the emergency legislation and guidance to continue,” he said.

“It is only as a last resort that they will turn to enforcement action.”

Dunfermline SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said beaches and parks near her home had been busy and added: “I get why people are frustrated and want to get out and enjoy the sunshine but I would urge people to follow advice and not get in their cars to exercise.”

Jenny Gilruth, SNP MSP for Glenrothes, encouraged people to “stick with it”.

She said: “It’s getting more and more difficult but the message remains the same in Scotland – stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,”

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Superintendent Sandy Brodie has thanked the public for their support.