Councillors urge Pentland Hills visitors to park responsibly and be mindful of farm and home access during Covid level 4 restrictions

Local councillors have urged visitors to the Pentland Hills to park responsibly and be mindful of farm and home access following reports of overflowing car parks in the area during the current level four Covid restrictions.

Particular concerns have been raised about the situation at Flotterstone and drivers reported struggling in the wintry conditions to access Castlelaw Car Park, as people took to the outdoors for some exercise in the snow.

Police in Midlothian carried out patrols in the area on Wednesday and issued some late morning advice on social media that the car parks at Flotterstone were already full and that Castlelaw remained inaccessible due to ice.

Their post also made clear that parking is also banned on a stretch of the A702 road between Glencorse and Mauricewood and that motorists should park safely in a designated area.

Car parks in the Pentlands have been popular in recent days as people venture out for exercise during the Christmas holidays while under level four restrictions. Pic: Andrew O'Brien

No police enforcement action was taken in the area during their Wednesday patrols - for either parking or Covid breaches - but officers did speak with some drivers.

Pictures taken by the Edinburgh Evening News on Tuesday also showed vehicles parked up in a bus stop close to Flotterstone Car Park.

Pentland Hills ward councillor, Susan Webber (Scottish Conservative), said: “We are so very fortunate to have the Pentland Hills right on our doorstep.

“I would appeal to all those visiting the area from both near and elsewhere in the city to be mindful that there are working farms and homes that rely on these roads to go about their lives and livelihoods.

“When you do bring your car it is imperative that you park in a responsible manner that indicates an awareness of others and when asked not to park on verges or ‘passing places’ on these very narrow roads that you respect this. Perhaps if the parking is full that you might want to consider heading elsewhere for your wintery walk.”

Councillor Neil Gardiner (SNP) said: “The Pentland Hills have been a draw in recent months and especially the past few days with the snowfall. While it’s good to see people enjoying beautiful surroundings, there is limited parking within the regional park. Increased visitor numbers have unfortunately led to some potentially dangerous parking.

“Therefore please consider your options: can you leave the car and walk? If you arrive to find a car park full, please have a plan B. If you haven’t already discovered the wealth of beautiful outdoor space in your local area please use the links on the Regional Park’s website to discover what local parks, woodlands, waterways, walks and cycle ways are near to you.

“Please stay safe and close to home at this very difficult time.”

The reminders come as more people have been spending time in the Pentlands in recent days for daily exercise.

Under the Scottish Government’s level four restrictions, people can travel for outdoor exercise up to five miles from the boundary of your local authority area.

A maximum of six people, plus any children under 12, from two different households are able to meet up outdoors.

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