Edinburgh's scenic spots must be carefully managed to ensure social distancing is maintained – Steve Cardownie

One byproduct of the current lockdown regulations is the sight of members of the public flocking to Edinburgh’s beauty spots for much-needed exercise.

Portobello beach has proved popular for people taking exercise during lockdown (Photo: Shutterstock)

Many are now taking advantage of what the city has to offer on their doorstep. It was inevitable that people would like to walk in areas that are pleasing on the eye and which foster a feeling of health and well-being. Given the circumstances, who could blame them?

The likes of Pentland Regional Park, Arthur’s Seat, Silverknowes and Portobello were always going to be a magnet for people wishing to reacquaint or in some cases acquaint themselves with such jewels, so a sizeable influx of people was always on the cards.

In particular families with young children may need the stimulus that they can find on a walk along the beach and it provides a welcome relief from being cooped up in a flat all day with all the pressures that that can entail.

Mental health issues are on the rise and some relationships are wilting under the strain so any escape from the tedium is likely to be enthusiastically grasped.

Police Scotland is to be commended for its fair but firm policy when dealing with hotspots and anecdotal evidence would suggest that social distancing is being observed as people try to avoid each other as they take exercise.

The lockdown will be in place for a wee bit longer and with the vaccine roll-out some kind of normality may be resumed in the not-too-distant future.

In the meantime scenic spots will continue to attract public attention and should be carefully managed.

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