CAR parks at two Loch Lomond beauty spots have been closed – and will remain shut the Covid-19 pandemic, Argyll and Bute Council has announced.
The authority annnounced on Wednesday that it had taken the decision to close its car parks at Duck Bay and Luss for the duration of the lockdown.
The two council-operated car parks in Arrochar – Glenloin 1 and 2 – are also being shut until further notice.
The decision was taken ahead of the Easter holiday weekend and follows concern at large crowds of visitors flocking to the area both before and since strict limits on people's movement were introduced last month.
However, the car parks will remain shut after the holiday weekend has passed, and won't reopen until further notice.
The council said in a statement: "Our message for visitors is 'please stay away so we can welcome you back soon'.
READ MORE: Loch Lomond economy 'meltdown' warning after crunch talks on tourism crisis
"National guidance is clear – only travel if it’s essential. We all have a duty to act responsibly and keep each other safe from the threat of Covid--19.
"We want to welcome visitors back to Argyll and Bute, but once it is safe to travel."
The authority says essential workers who are still required to travel will be able to get access to the electric vehicle charging point located in Arrochar.
READ MORE: Click here for all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here