AS TEMPERATURES soared to 22 degrees Celsius across East Lothian yesterday (Wednesday) people flocked to the county’s beaches against lockdown advice.

Beaches in places such as North Berwick, Gullane and Port Seton are all said to have been packed with people looking to relax and catch some rays in what was the hottest day of the year so far.

In Gullane, police had to disperse about 150 people from the beach at about 3.30pm, with the majority of them said to have travelled there from Edinburgh.

Officers engaged with members of the public but did not give out any fines.

Also on the same afternoon, parking attendants were out and about in Gullane and issued a number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) in the area, with the exact number unknown.

It is not known if police attended other beaches in East Lothian.

A large number of people also gathered on Portobello beach yesterday, with police officers also patrolling the area in the afternoon to make sure people were following lockdown rules and guidance.

Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell, local area commander, said: "The Scottish Government's guidance is clear - people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.

"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation, encourage compliance and will use enforcement only as a last resort.”

Over the past few weeks police officers in East Lothian have been patrolling the beaches and surrounding areas on quad bikes and horses, ensuring people are following lockdown guidance and sticking to the rules.