Staff at Loch Lomond faced aggressive behaviour from members of the public as thousands flocked to beauty spots across the country to make the most of the heatwave.
Record-breaking temperatures saw Scots scramble to make the most of the sunshine, but the good weather also led to multiple emergency incidents.
It was the hottest day in Scotland for two years, bringing thousands out and about at rivers, lochs and beaches.
But as temperatures exceeded 30C, increased safety risks led to a number of emergency call-outs.
On Monday, the First Minister led condolences after a 15-year-old boy died in the River Kelvin in Glasgow. His body was found on Saturday night after a five-hour rescue operation.
The teen’s death was one of four tragedies across the country this weekend.
In East Dunbartonshire, a 63-year-old woman died in a fall near Campsie Glen Waterfall and the body of a 39-year-old man was found in the River Tyne in East Lothian.
Meanwhile, a 50-year-old man died in hospital after being rescued from the water in the north of Loch Lomond.
STV NewsThe team from Loch Lomond Rescue Boat attended to a total of six call-outs across the weekend and is urging visitors to wear life jackets when entering the water.
Elsewhere, national park rangers say large crowds led to major clean-up operations. Police were also forced to shut down the road on the east side of the Loch due to overcrowding – something park authorities say led to some aggressive behaviour.
Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, told STV News: “Obviously, the vast majority of people were enjoying a great day in the national park and there were lots of good things – we had no fire issues, which was so good to see.
“Another part of our advice is of somewhere is is to please have a plan B and think about going to an alternative location.
STV News“Unfortunately, in some of our popular locations, that wasn’t happening. In East Loch Lomond and Luss, people were parking on road verges, and obviously, the roads became very congested. The police had to close the road at times.
“And unfortunately, also at some of our car park sites, our staff were on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour of people insisting that they should be able to get into the car park.”
As the sunshine and crowds disappeared, a major clean-up operation began for the staff.
Rubbish including barbecues were left behind and Mr Watson is reminding visitor to beauty spots to take their litter home if bins are full.
SWNS
Mr Watson added: “We obviously have put a lot of effort into water safety messaging both on social media and on site where we have a whole suite of signage, rescue equipment and messaging to the public, warning them of the hazards on the water.
“Open water swimming is a really popular activity, but it’s important that people know what they’re doing.
“The loch is still extremely cold, no matter how hot the weather is. Cold water shock is something that even the best swimmer will not survive.”
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