THE number of visitors to North Berwick and Traprain Laws increased by more than 25 per cent last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The figures are recorded by a counter on entrance gates at the bottom of each hill.

In 2019, the number of visitors to North Berwick Law was given as 111,088.

Last year, this rose to 143,870, an increase of 29.5 per cent.

North Berwick community councillors were told of the surge in visitors by member Bill Macnair, with the figures coming from the Joint Laws Advisory Group at East Lothian Council.

In 2019, 11,070 people visited Traprain Law, near East Linton.

A total of 10,327 people visited via the north side and 743 from the south side.

Last year, about 14,000 people are estimated to have visited Traprain Law, 13,781 via the north counter.

The counter on the south side stopped working but the combined number of visitors via both gates is expected to have been well over 14,000.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “East Lothian is fortunate to be blessed with wonderful coastal areas and countryside sites, including North Berwick and Traprain Laws.

“We know that many local people, as well as visitors, have been keen to enjoy our beauty spots for leisure and recreation. We want everyone to be able to enjoy East Lothian safely and responsibly.

“Our multi-agency Open Space Working Group continues to meet weekly, with a constant focus on ensuring our open spaces are managed safely as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.”