Coastguard patrol needed as people visit Cramond Island despite path being closed during first weekend of lockdown easing

A coastguard team had to speak with several people visiting Cramond Island during the first weekend of lockdown easing - despite barriers and signs there saying the causeway is closed.

An Aberdeen coastguard spokeswoman said coastguard volunteers have been patrolling the Cramond area, as part of a UK-wide effort to keep people safe up and down the coastline during the fine weather.

The spokeswoman confirmed people were on Cramond Island but said no one had to be rescued, although advice was given about the dangers of the coastline and sea.

A picture shared on social media shows people going beyond the safety barrier at Cramond.

A picture shared on twitter today showed people beyond the barriers using the path, along with a message which read: "Pretty unhappy to see numbers of people ignoring signs and barriers yesterday with the coastguard having to deploy significant resources needlessly."

Another person commenting on the post described the actions of those going beyong the barriers as "unacceptable" and "irresponsible."

On their website, Edinburgh City Council say that access to Cramond Island has been denied for ‘the safety of the public” and it will be closed “until further notice”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The regulations are clear: people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

"We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

"Our officers will continue 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."