Police break up gathering on Edinburgh beach as around 100 meet for New Year’s Day swim with 'majority' obeying Covid rules

Police dispersed a group of people at an Edinburgh beach this morning where around 100 people gathered for a New Year’s Day swim.

Officers were called to a report of a large gathering at Wardie Bay involving people allegedly breaching Covid rules, at around 11:20am on Friday.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended, engaged with people and some were dispersed however the vast majority were complying with the latest guidelines and restrictions."

It comes as both Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle attracted crowds of hundreds of people on Hogmanay despite the current regulations.

Police chiefs and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had previously urged the public to stay indoors for their Hogmanay celebrations.

The current level four restrictions state a maximum of two households of up to six people, excluding children under the age of 12, can meet outside. People can also leave their homes for essential reasons such as exercise.

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