The chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is urging people to stay away from the beauty spot. 

Gordon Watson issued the plea as Scotland enters its second weekend of phase one of the governments plans to ease lockdown. 

While some restrictions have been eased, the official advice is to broadly stay within five miles of your home. 

Mr Watson said: "Everyone has been in lockdown for a long time and it's been frustrating not getting to our favourite places, so this is a tricky time because we have a little bit more freedom but things are still far from normal. 

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"I know people have really missed the national park and are desperate to come back for a visit. I don't blame you it's a wonderful place."

All visitor facilities, including car-parks, remain closed during this weekend. 

The chief executive explains: "The national guidance is clear that people should be staying home as much as possible and not travelling more than five miles for outdoor activities. 

"People should also specifically not be going to crowded places and beauty spots like we have here in the national park.

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"Doing this creates the risk of spreading the infection to small rural communities, like we have living here, as well as putting unnecessary pressure on local services, which are not yet running as normal."

Mr Watson urged the public to understand that the park is not ready for a large number of visitors, and said: "If you love the national park, please respect it.

"For now that may mean staying away a bit longer."