Edinburgh council leader warns residents about using disposable BBQs at local beauty spots

The leader of Edinburgh City Council has warned residents about using disposable barbecues in city parks in the wake of some city spots being left in a mess over the weekend.

Councillor Adam McVey shared a picture of a scorched area of grass, along with the council’s management rules for public parks and green space, in a tweet this afternoon which read: "Gonnae no dae that..."

The council rules for parks state that lighting barbecues outside designated barbecue sites, where these are provided, or in a manner where they are likely to burn or scorch the ground or cause danger or nuisance to other park users, is not allowed.

Edinburgh City Council leader Adam McVey shared the picture and message on twitter.

The rules also prohibit the dumping of litter associated with barbecues and picnics.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is also asking people who live within or who may visit rural areas during lockdon easing to “think twice” before using anything involving a naked flame, including lighting barbecues or campfires.

Wildfires can start by the careless disposal of barbecues and campfires and have the potential to burn for days and ruin vast areas of land and wildlife and threaten nearby communities.

It comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed today that police had to break-up nearly 800 gatherings across Scotland on Saturday alone, as it was clear some people were not complying with the phase one restrictions.

The Scottish Government guidance makes clear that people can now meet outside in their local area with one other household, in a group of up to eight, while maintaining a two metre physical distance. People should only travel further afield to see family outdoors, including in gardens, while maintaining social distancing and strict hygiene measures.

Edinburgh City Council's management rules also state that lighting an open fire in any park is also not allowed, unless written permission from the council has been obtained, and neither is camping within one mile of a public road.

Leaving substances behind which are likely to cause harm or damage is also prohibited, as is the willful or careless removal of any equipment, plants, trees or shrubs.

Other key rules include keeping dogs under control and cleaning up dog mess, as well as a ban on the use of motorcycles or mini motos in parks.