Group of people cut off by the tide in Scotland fined after being rescued

Four people have been fined for flouting lockdown measures after they had to be rescued by emergency services.

Three men, aged 26, 31 and 32, and a 28-year-old woman were stranded on Cramond Island, near Edinburgh, after being cut off by the tide.

The Lifeboat from South Queensferry was called to rescue them this afternoon.

Three men, aged 26, 31 and 32, and a 28-year-old woman were stranded on Cramond Island, near Edinburgh, after being cut off by the tide.

Police officers waited for the group to be safely returned to shore at Cramond before issuing them all with fixed penalty notices for breaking the Coronavirus Act 2020.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3pm on Saturday, 11 April police received a report of concern for people who were stuck on Cramond Island, Edinburgh.

"Three men, aged 26, 31 and 32, and a 28-year-old woman were issued with fixed penalty notices under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

"Police attended the incident along with colleagues from the coastguard and RNLI."

The public have been urged to stay at home over Easter weekend despite the warm, spring weather.

Officers have been out reminding residents they can only be outside for essentials including food shopping and one form of daily exercise.

Ms Sturgeon issued a fresh plea for Scots to stay at home this Easter weekend as temperatures rise in a bid to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

The "vast majority" of Scots are complying with the lockdown measures, Ms Sturgeon said yesterday at her coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh, and those who have broken the rules are a "tiny minority" of the population.