A PLEA has been issued to the public to avoid potential accidents in the countryside to avoid putting extra pressure on emergency services.

People are being urged to forgo horse riding, mountain biking or hill walking during the current crisis. Issuing this call, landowners' body Scottish Land and Estates said it had received reports from members who have had to help people who were injured, often in remote areas, at a time when people should be social distancing.

SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing said: “Our members’ land enables locals and visitors to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful countryside all year round – but we are pleading with people to take a break from their usual activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. This will allow our vital emergency services to keep their resource where it’s needed most.

“Even the most experienced and skilled mountain bikers, horse riders and hill walkers run the risk of being injured or lost. Usually they could easily call on the emergency services but currently they are under enormous pressure," Ms Laing explained. "That’s why we are asking the public to take a break from their activities at the moment. Scotland’s hills, forests and fields will still be there when we come out of this the other side.”

On Friday, March 27, the Lake District National Park announced the closure of the entire park for the first time in history. Despite repeated warnings that people must stay at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of people had continued to descend on the LDNP, which prompted police to make the decision to enforce its closure.

Similarly, last Sunday, March 21, the First minister warned individuals against 'escaping' to the Highlands in an 'attempt to outrun the virus'. More on this story can be found here - https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/18327923.warning-issued-highlands-islands-isolation-seekers/