LOCKDOWN restrictions are easing but drivers have been told to keep away from Devilla Forest near Kincardine.

Police have moved groups of people and vehicles away from the site in recent weeks and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has issued a reminder that all of its car parks, mountain bike trails and visitor facilities remain closed.

The Scottish Government agency, which is responsible for national forests and land, is urging people to only visit forests near their home, maintain hand hygiene and follow physical distancing guidelines.

Simon Hodgson, FLS chief executive, added: "Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel and stay local for your exercise – by visiting a woodland that you can get to on foot, by bike or by wheelchair.”

The agency added that it was "unlikely we will be able to reopen all car parks before the end of phase 2 of the Scottish Government's lifting of restrictions".

Chief Inspector Paul Dick, local area commander, said: "The regulations are clear: 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.

"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."

He added: "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.

"We want people to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and our officers will be tackling crime and anti-social behaviour robustly in our communities."