Police called to St Andrews beach after 50 students gather

Officers were called to the beach at St Andrews Castle

A gathering of about 50 young people on the beach at St Andrews Castle sparked a police response.

Officers were called to attend at about 9.50pm on Friday evening.

According to the BBC, the group was made up of students who were adhering to social distancing guidelines and left the area when requested.

St Andrews beach.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Officers attended, gave advice and the group dispersed.”

No fines were issued or arrests made.

Current Scottish government Covid-19 guidance limits outdoor gatherings to 15 people from five other households.

However, new restrictions are due to come into force on Monday, when people in Scotland will only be able to meet in groups of no more than six.

A spokesman for the University of St Andrews said the vast majority of those in attendance on Friday evening were observing public health guidelines.

"This is an incredibly difficult period for students, not just in St Andrews but across the country," he added.

"They have experienced a year like no other, far more than their fair share of disruption, and are facing a very different university experience from the one which tradition might have liked to promise.

"It is so important that while we remain cautious and prudent, and encourage our students to observe safe behaviour, we empower and support them to show what they can do during these enormously restrictive times. "

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