ONE of Renfrewshire's top cops has urged people to follow coronavirus lockdown rules after scores of punters flocked to a beauty spot at the weekend. 

The Gleniffer Braes, in Paisley, was inundated with locals on Sunday afternoon despite strict new measures banning Scots from going outside unless they have a 'reasonable excuse'. 

Government guidance on social distancing asks people to only leave their home for an essential purpose such as shopping for necessary food, household and medical supplies, travelling to and from work when doing so from home is not an option and daily exercise no closer than two metres from others.

Cops now have powers to enforce the coronavirus rules on staying at home and closing non-essential businesses.

The Gazette: Inspector Kayley Teasdale is urging locals to follow Covid-19 social distancing rules Inspector Kayley Teasdale is urging locals to follow Covid-19 social distancing rules

Police can direct people to return home and those in breach could be subject to a prohibition notice and if they do not comply they could be fined or prosecuted.

Fines of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, can be issued. These penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap. 

And Inspector Kayley Teasdale, based in Renfrew, has urged people to do as they are told in a bid to reduce the spread of Covid-19. 

She told The Gazette: "It was reported to the police that there were a lot of people heading to Gleniffer Braes and going for walks there. 

"That is not what the government advice is. We do not want to have to force people to stay inside their homes but would rather they understand why it is so important to follow the rules.

"We would encourage people to head home and to comply with the rules as not doing so is a risk to public safety.

"It has mostly been good in Renfrewshire and we want to keep it up going forward.

"Please take your walks and do your exercise locally and do not drive somewhere you have to do it."