NICOLA Sturgeon has warned that tougher lockdown measures will return in Scotland if people don't follow the new rules.
The First Minister's warning comes as Police Scotland's chief constable says his officers will be "robustly tackling" those who break the law.
Scotland entered 'phase one' of a four-step plan to lift coronavirus restrictions on Friday morning, with people now allowed to sunbathe, play certain non-contact sports and meet people from other households outdoors in parks and gardens.
The move coincides with a period of warm weather, with temperatures set to hit more than 24C in some places.
READ MORE: Mini heatwave heading to Helensburgh this weekend as lockdown eases
Officials from Argyll and Bute Council and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park have pleaded with people not to visit the area's tourist hotspots this weekend - but there are already reports on social media of visitors heading in larger numbers to popular stretches along the shores of Loch Lomond.
But the First Minister yesterday admitted she is “a bit nervous” about the impact the changes could have on infection levels.
Admitting she is "a bit nervous" about the impact the changes could have on infection levels, Ms Sturgeon said: “I am worried that the limited changes we are making to these rules, the very careful changes, might lead to much greater change in reality.”
She said she has “every faith that people will do the right thing”, but warned if Scots do not follow guidance there will be “no alternative” but for ministers to legislate and the easing of restrictions could be reversed.
READ MORE: 'Please DON'T visit Loch Lomond this weekend', says National Park boss
It comes as Police Scotland have warned they will continue to use fines “as a last resort” as they urge the public to avoid busy areas and beauty spots as lockdown measures are eased.
Much of Scotland is set to bask in the sunshine this weekend, with Chief Constable Iain Livingstone warning of overcrowding at parks, beaches and lochs.
He said: “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 judgment and avoid going to places which are normally busy during the good weather.
“Complying with the legislation about meeting only one other household outdoors at any one time and following the Scottish Government’s guidance about avoiding travelling long distances will stop our parks, beaches, lochs and hills from becoming overcrowded and help ensure appropriate physical distancing is maintained, reducing the spread of coronavirus.
READ MORE: Council scraps plan to reopen Loch Lomond car parks this weekend
“We want people to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and our officers will be robustly tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
He added that officers will continue to” explain legislation and guidance” to the public and “encourage compliance”.
“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation,” he said.
“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.”
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