Police called to break up 365 house parties last week

Police were called to break up 365 house parties across Scotland last week following alleged breaches of coronavirus rules.

They said 271 gatherings were found to be in breach of Scottish Government regulations, including the ban on visiting other people’s homes.

Eighteen people were arrested and 106 fines were issued in the week up to midnight on Sunday, October 4.

Since the start of the pandemic, police officers have had more than 75,000 Covid-related interactions with the public.

Police Scotland said around 4000 – around 5% – have resulted in formal enforcement action.

Chief constable Iain Livingstone said: “Despite overwhelming levels of cooperation and support, I am concerned that a small minority of people continue to host or participate in house parties and house gatherings.

“While restrictions have changed quickly and often, I do not believe anyone in Scotland can be in any doubt that house gatherings and house parties allow the virus to spread and are unlawful.

“It is very clear that, with some legitimate exemptions, people should not be visiting each other’s houses.

“Where we encounter wilful, repeated, persistent or flagrant breaches we will, as the public would expect and support, act decisively to enforce the law.”