THERE will be temporary road closures at beauty spots across Stirling this weekend in response to people flouting the five mile recreational travel guidance.

Stirling Council and Police Scotland are implementing the measure to stop day-trippers who are flouting Scottish Government guidance on travel for recreation.

The council says communities across rural Stirling have seen an influx of visitors after the first phase of the routemap out of lockdown was announced last week.

There have been issues with illegal parking, traffic congestion, dangerous driving and littering at various rural hot spots reported to the local authority, police as well as Lock Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

A 21-day temporary road closure will be in place at two rural sports, allowing local access only.

These will be at Drymen on the B837 to prevent access to Balmaha as well as at Bracklinn Road in Callander near Bracklinn Falls.

Several car parks will also be closed with enforcement staff on patrol at:

  • Callander Station Rd Car Park
  • Callander Meadows Car Park
  • Callander Bracklinn Falls Car Park
  • Balmaha Car Park
  • Queens View Car Park, Strathblane
  • Finnich Glen (Devils Pulpit)
  • Blair Logie car park
  • Dumyat, Sheriffmuir Rd
  • Plean Country Park Car Park

Chief Inspector Mark Paterson, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “The regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

"The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“Following the Scottish Government's guidance about avoiding travelling long distances will stop our parks, beaches, lochs and hills from becoming over-crowded and help ensure appropriate physical distancing is maintained, reducing the spread of coronavirus.

“With these road closures and traffic restrictions in place, our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance.

“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

"We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices until now and while the temptation may be to head straight for one of our beauty spots, we would ask people to use their judgement and avoid going to places which are normally busy during good weather.”