Scots praised for keeping our distance as crowds mob beaches down south

Scots were praised for being sensible yesterday in the first days of a relaxation of lockdown as the heatwave continued.

Parks and beaches were busy but people were largely abiding by social distancing rules. Pictures from south of the border suggested sunbathers were less willing or able to keep their distance as government scientific advisers warned politicians had relaxed restrictions too soon.

Professor Jason Leitch, clinical director of the Scottish Government, said he would award people “10 out of 10” for their behaviour after being given more freedom to spend time outside from Friday.

Yesterday saw temperatures soar in Scotland and sunseekers were out in force across the country.

Sunbathers gathered on beaches including Portobello in Edinburgh but drone photographs revealed most remained at least two metres apart.

Scenes there were in sharp contrast to Durdle Door in Dorset, where crowds sat shoulder to shoulder and two helicopters were called out to deal with separate incidents at the beauty spot.

Professor Leitch praised Scotland’s response to the first steps in returning to normal life. He said: “I saw nothing that worried me at all yesterday and so far I am giving them 10 out of 10.

“I did see some things the previous weekend that made myself and the First Minister have a little intake of breath. That may happen again today. We have eased the measures a little but haven’t said you don’t physically distance.”

© Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Professor Stephen Reicher, who advises the Scottish Government on human behaviour during the crisis, added: “I think Scotland is doing things carefully.

“It’s really important that the public understands this is just a relaxation so that some people can go outside more. But it means we have to more vigilant in terms of social distancing and hygiene.

“One of the big criticisms in England is that they’re taking big steps too early without track and trace in place. In Scotland we’re not taking those big steps and we are preparing and we’re going to make sure we’ve got track and trace in place before we do anything else. So, I think Scotland is doing it in a much more sensible way.”

Police Scotland also confirmed the force is now only planning to use enforcement of guidelines as a last resort.

A spokeswoman said: “Our local policing divisions have developed plans bespoke to their areas. Our officers are out and about to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.”

In England thousands flocked to popular beaches and beauty spots and breaching distancing guidelines, including huge crowds flocking to the south coast.