FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

● Fears social distancing will be ignored over the weekend

Sun seekers are being urged to stay away from popular areas this weekend amid fears social distancing could be hard to achieve at crowded beaches and beauty spots. Good weather is expected to bring out more people than usual on the last weekend before the schools return.

Although the north and north-east will not have the heatwave predicted in England, there are warnings to avoid overcrowded spots and be vigilant when visiting coasts.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has urged people to stay away from popular areas including Glenmore, Loch Morlich, Muir of Dinnet, Linn of Dee and Loch Muick, while the Angus glens have also been extremely popular recently.

The authority said this summer has been the busiest and most challenging it has faced for visitor management issues, with thousands of tourists flocking to the park as lockdown has eased. It has caused “major issues” including inconsiderate parking, litter, human waste and fires.

CNPA head of visitor services Pete Crane said people should change plans if an area is too busy.

He said: “Once here, please be the best visitor you can be. Do not light fires, dispose of rubbish in a bin and if there isn’t one then take it home with you.

“If car parks are full at your chosen beauty spot do not park on roadsides – pay attention to ‘no parking’ signs and police traffic cones and instead find an alternative location for your day out.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said police officers will encourage compliance with regulations and use enforcement as a last resort where there is a breach of legislation.

He said: “We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices but we would ask people to use their judgment and avoid places which are busy to stop our beauty spots from becoming overcrowded.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said while some restrictions have been relaxed, people are asked to be sensible to keep themselves and others safe.

She added: “People are free to enjoy the good weather, but should wear a mask if they will be in close proximity to anyone, avoid crowded places, continue to wash their hands regularly and arrange for testing if they show any signs of the symptoms.”

A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “With warmer weather expected this weekend, we urge residents to act responsibly when gathering outdoors.”

Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said the area welcomes visitors but they must be responsible. She said: “There is a small element which is being really irresponsible, especially around unauthorised camping, and we are doing our best to cope with that.

“At the moment our operators are feeling rather overwhelmed with litter collections and we are looking to the Scottish Government for help with funding because our budget is in some disarray after Covid.”

Ross Greenhill, coastal operations area commander for the coastguard service, said the last month has been its busiest this year and expected the weekend could prove no different.

He said: “This weekend there are a lot of elements coming together – the schools going back will make people keen to get out and have a last bit of fun over the weekend.

“It’s quite likely to be the worst we’ve had.

“When we have exceptionally good weather we see an increase in incidents. People relax and don’t think so much about their own safety and get in that zone of not being aware of what is around them.”

Recent incidents include two teenagers being rescued from an inflatable doughnut that drifted out to sea off Ardersier.

People have also got into difficulty while walking on cliffs.

Mr Greenhill said: “While they are beautiful places, cliffs are extremely dangerous so keep away from the edge, keep dogs on leads and keep a close eye on children.”

“This weekend there are a lot of elements coming together”

The CNPA has urged people to stay away from popular areas including Loch Morlich