THIS is the moment three men were spotted flaunting coronavirus lockdown rules by taking to a Renfrewshire golf course. 

Images shared with The Gazette show the trio walking along the course at Barshaw Golf Club, in Paisley, despite a ban on all non-essential movement during the outbreak. 

The picture was sent in by a reader who spotted the men on Saturday afternoon and The Gazette understands they are not the only ones to disregard the rules in recent weeks. 

One local blasted: "People ignoring lockdown rules will only prolong it." 

Others have reported as many as four cars at a time parking in nearby streets and making their way onto the golf course, despite it being shut for the foreseeable future. 

Bosses at Renfrewshire Leisure, who run Barshaw, have hit out at those flaunting the rules.

A spokesperson said: “Patently this is a breach of the current coronavirus restrictions and we would urge everyone to abide by what we are being told by the Government to protect the NHS and save lives.

“Barshaw Golf Course is closed along with all other facilities operated by Renfrewshire Leisure during the current health crisis and no one should be going on to the course to play golf.”

It comes shortly after Renfrewshire Council was forced to close car parks at beauty spots across the county in a bid to stop locals flocking to them and breaking social distancing guidelines.

Barriers have been put up in recent weeks at Gleniffer Braes Country Park, in Paisley, and Clyde Muirshiel Country Park, in Lochwinnoch, after both were flooded with vehicles.

Coronavirus: Car parks shut at Renfrewshire beauty spots after punters defy social distancing rules

In a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, people have been told not to leave their homes unless they are shopping for key supplies, attending essential work or doing daily exercise.

Police now have powers to enforce the lockdown restrictions on staying at home and closing non-essential businesses.

Three men were issued with fines - which can rise to as high as £960 - by police in Paisley last month after being caught leaving their homes without a "reasonable excuse".

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