STAFF working at Scottish beauty spots have been “physically and verbally abused”, according to a local council.

Stirling Council employees have faced overcrowding as Scots descended on Ben A’an and Balmaha over the weekend.

On Friday, the Stay at Home order was replaced by guidance to Stay Local, which advises people to remain in their local authority area.

Yet the popular spots because increasingly busy which led to overcrowding and subsequent issues with parking.

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Staff were then subjected to a torrent of “verbal and physical abuse” from frustrated visitors.

A statement from Stirling Council read: "We've unfortunately had reports of verbal and physical abuse directed towards council staff working at the clearways at Ben A'an and at Balmaha.

"While there may be frustration for some regarding parking at some of our beauty spots as lockdown restrictions are being eased, we will not tolerate abuse of staff.

"Our teams are there to keep communities safe and do an important job.

"Please be considerate of those who are working hard to keep the public safe and #StayLocal."

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The National: View from the top of Ben A'anView from the top of Ben A'an

Additionally, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs urged visitors to be “respectful of others”.

They tweeted: "Really disappointing to hear this has been happening to @StirlingCouncil staff just doing their jobs.

"Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important to do so responsibly, be respectful of others & to #staylocal."