Hundreds flocked to the Capital’s seaside at the weekend amid fears that strict Government warnings over social-distancing were being widely ignored.

The early Spring sunshine saw large numbers of people head to the coast in search of open space and fresh air, despite fears over the coronavirus pandemic spreading.

But the Evening News was deluged with messages from worried visitors and residents concerned about the number of people ignoring advice on social distancing.

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CRAMMED: The car park at Crammond was very busy on the first weekend of social distancing, raising fears that advice is being ignored

The Government and its health advisers have issued clear guidelines saying members of the public should stay at least two metres apart.

But in queues at take-away coffee kiosks and amid walkers stretching their legs and exercising their dogs there were many examples of the advice being completely ignored.

There were similar concerns about supermarkets where shoppers were forced to queue to get into stores, including Tesco in Musselburgh, but with little evidence of social distancing being applied.

Cramond beach and promenade was brimming with life from the Boardwalk Beach Club to the Cramond Inn. Joggers, dog walkers and cyclists all battled for space with families on the walkway as those enjoying the sun struggled to stay the recommended two metres distance apart.

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The car park was also filled to capacity with barely a foot between parked vehicles.

The Boardwalk Cafe was also serving customers takeaway hot food, snacks and warm beverages from an outdoor stall whilst warning customers to distance 2m apart in the queue and to keep their distance from one another when enjoying the beach.

Signs were created on the walkway at the cafe which said that they would be open from 10am until 5pm and that they would only be accepting card payments for all purchases.

However, despite clear guidance, revellers struggled to socially distance due to the large crowds using the promenade.

Families were seen using the outdoor gym equipment, people were throwing toys for dogs that did not belong to them and public benches were shared by anyone who wished to use them.

At the other side of town, similar scenes were seen at Portobello beach as people flocked to the seaside for an afternoon out and to enjoy cafes offering takeaway food.

Residents who contacted the Evening News voiced their concerns that people were not socially distancing and putting themselves and vulnerable others at risk of catching the virus.

Cllr Stuart Currie, SNP group leader, said: “It is clear from the many people that have contacted me that hundreds of cars and people are gathering in coastal car parks in East Lothian. That’s why I’ve asked the council chief executive to close the car parks.

“At a time when people in health and social care are literally putting their health at risk to help others, it is disrespectful, at best, to see people think it’s a bank holiday weekend. This is a public health emergency and folk need to wake up and so all they can to be part of the battle to fight the spread of the virus.”

On Friday, the First Minister said self isolation advice issued on Covid-19 should not be considered optional and that it must be followed to ensure the protection of loved ones which the Prime Minister echoed on Sunday. In his briefing, Boris Johnson said that taking social distancing advice seriously was “absolutely crucial”.

Yesterday, it was announced that the total number of known cases in Scotland rose by 43 to 416 cases. There were two new positive cases in the Lothians and the death toll rose to ten patients in total.

The popular Stockbridge Market also opened on Sunday despite advice but stated that the market would be to ‘shop at, not socialise in’.

In a Facebook post they said: “In order to maintain social distancing there will be a space between each gazebo, no traders will share gazebos.

“We serve a lot of regulars who are local people. Many of them use the market instead of a supermarket. We feel it is not right to simply shut and force people into supermarkets.”

Beth Berry, market organiser said: “Stockbridge, Grassmarket and Leith markets have been trading responsibly for nine years. At this time we have taken the decision to cancel the Grassmarket Market as we feel it is more craft and tourist based. We have very seriously looked at the current situation and our decision to open Stockbridge is based on the following: we have no craft stalls or hot food stall, each stall is selling food and has their own hand washing facilities and sanitiser, we have reduced from 49 traders to 19, thus allowing us to have space between every stall enabling social distancing and all except one stall are offering contactless payment.

“We trade in the open air, with no baskets or trolleys or doors to be touched. Is there a supermarket who can say this?

“All traders are small independent local businesses who want to continue to serve our customers and supermarkets are currently having difficulty to provide. Our traders have as much right to sell food as any supermarket.

“We understand and share people’s concerns and worries, our website advises of all these changes – we emphasize that it’s a market to shop in, not to socialise

“We were visited by the police in response to one public complaint – the police agree that we have every right to sell food and that we are following all guidelines, the visit was a boost to ourselves and the traders.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is understandable that people want to get out and in the good weather, but it is vital that they are responsible and follow guidelines at this time to keep their distance from other people.

“In principle Stockbridge market being open to sell produce is within government guidelines, but overcrowding is definitely a concern.“People have a social responsibility to minimise their contact with other people.”