Police intervene after crowds gather at beach on hottest day

Sunbathers were moved on by police today as a large crowd gathered at Edinburgh’s Portobello beach on the hottest day of the year.

A high of 24.1C was recorded at Lentran and Kinlochewe in the Highlands, and the warm weather also brought out sunseekers in the east of the country.

People were photographed making their way along the promenade at Portobello and sunbathing on the beach despite the Scottish Government advice to “stay at home”.

Nicola Sturgeon has said Scotland’s lockdown restrictions could begin to be eased from May 28.

If progress continues in reducing the spread of coronavirus, the First Minister said there might be changes made after the next lockdown review at the end of May.

The changes could include some sporting events being allowed, the opening of garden centres and letting people meet those from other households, provided social distancing is followed.

People may also be allowed to undertake more types of outdoor activity, such as being able to sit in the park, play golf or go fishing, while some outdoor work could also be resumed.

Potential measures will be outlined on Thursday when the Scottish Government publishes a new “route map” on the path out of lockdown.