AS I SIT and type this week’s column, the sun is beating through the windows and I have had to open them to let some cooler air in – not what I was expecting a couple of weeks ago when we had so much snow and freezing weather!

Spring is certainly near and let’s hope for more warm weather to see us through the rest of the lockdown.

On that note, I wanted to remind everyone that restrictions are still in place and, just because we have nicer weather, it does not mean you can travel further than is necessary to visit a beach or beauty spot. Over the past weekend, we saw increased footfall at the beaches and, as a result, I have stepped up patrols in the areas.

A number of people have already been issued with fixed penalty tickets for breaching lockdown rules.

The law is clear: you must stay at home unless your journey falls under the exemptions for essential travel.

If you have to travel for essential purposes, you should follow the guidance on travelling safely and keep your journeys within the local area to an absolute minimum.

If you are out exercising or walking, please ensure you are adhering to the lockdown rules, as my officers may approach you and ask.

We are so close to hopefully getting back to some kind of normal life that I ask you all not to place others at risk and to continue to follow the rules.

We have already started our planning for the Easter and summer holidays and the expected influx of visitors to the area when it is allowed.  This a multi-agency approach which involves road services, community wardens, park rangers, parking wardens, environmental services, police and many others. This is to ensure the safety of all and to reduce to the best of our abilities the disruption caused to the local communities in the coastal areas.

The beaches of East Lothian aren’t going anywhere and, once we are allowed, they will be ready and waiting – and looking as stunning as ever.