POLICE have closed roads leading to some of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots and issued a warning that people should not break the five-mile guidance on recreational travel.

Roads closed included a B road between Drymen and Rowardennan leading to Loch Lomond, which has been closed to everyone except locals for 21 days in an attempt to deter day trippers.

The Bracklinn Road near Bracklinn Falls in Callander has also been closed.

Last weekend, large numbers of people gathered at parks and beaches as lockdown rules were slightly eased. Police dispersed more than 2000 gatherings and car traffic trebled at some beauty spots.

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Local councillor Danny Gibson said he was frustrated that visitors were flouting recreational travel guidance.

“We have felt it necessary to close the road because of issues last week over illegal parking traffic congestion, dangerous driving and littering so we have had to take this step to protect our local residents,” he added. “The clear message is to stay local.”

Inspector Andy Bushell from Forth Valley Police also expressed concern. He added: “We have witnessed a lot of groups not following the Scottish Government regulations, engaging in anti-social behaviour and some with no regard for the impact the behaviour was having on local residents.

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“The National Park is currently closed and not in a position to welcome visitors. The volume of people coming into this area cannot be sustained safely.”

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, said all visitor facilities including car parks around the National Park remain closed this weekend and warned against visiting.

“Doing this creates the risk of spreading the infection to small rural communities and putting unnecessary pressure on local services which are not yet running as normal,” he added.

“If you love the National Park please respect it, and for now that may mean staying away a bit longer.”