By Lucy Ashton
This could be a big weekend in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute with a Rangers v Celtic match on on Sunday, which usually brings with it soaring numbers of domestic abuse cases and street violence.
And glorious sunshine which brings thousands of day visitors to Loch Lomondside and even – despite the multitude of warnings about the dangers involved – people going wild swimming and even skinny dipping in the loch itself.
Police Scotland officers in West Dunbartonshire are working with partners to encourage everyone to stay safe and behave responsibly when out and about in the area.
This includes linking in with Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, West Dunbartonshire Council, SFRS and transport providers, to allocate and distribute resources, along with providing a visible presence in key areas.
Inspector Morven Sutherland said: “We know that Loch Lomond is a major attraction along with other beauty spots and open spaces such as Balloch Park, all of which are especially popular with families and young people.
“We want all visitors to the area and locals to enjoy being outdoors and to be safe doing so. This means making sure you aware of safety around water, taking home litter, parking considerately and being respectful to others.
“In good weather we see a number of young adults and teenagers in particular, coming to the area to spend the day drinking, and I want them to be aware that by-laws prevent the consumption of alcohol in public places.
“In addition drinking near water can lead to reckless behaviour which in turn can lead to people ending up in the water, being injured and even dying as a result.
“Everyone in the community can help and I am also asking parents and guardians to help us by speaking to young people and encouraging them to behave responsibly.”
Inspector Alasdair McWhirter of British Transport Police said: “We have been increasing patrols on key routes using targeted operations to deter offending. During the Easter break there will be increased high visibility patrols on stations and in trains. We will take action to ensure the railway is a safe place for everyone using it.
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “Our rangers will be providing advice and information to visitors while byelaws cover camping and fire lighting at many popular shore sites. A responsible visit starts before you even leave home by making sure you plan ahead on where to camp or park, read water safety advice and arrive prepared to take your litter home.”
Area Commander Joe McKay, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer for Argyll and Bute, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire, said: “Safety is our top priority and we are asking the public to be aware of the dangers around water and the potential for wildfires which can start unintentionally, as well as incidents of deliberate fire setting. Please act safely and responsibly in the outdoors and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and read the safety information on our website.”
Inspector Sutherland added: “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and anyone involved in criminality will be robustly dealt with. Anyone with concerns should speak to any police officer or report this via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”