CONCERNS over outdoor drinking on a popular family beach in Millport have been raised with the police.

Islanders claim they have seen 'pop up pubs' in Kames Bay - sparking fears coronavirus lockdown restrictions are being broken.

Resident Pamela Fleming said: "It is against the law to drink in public places in Millport, just like it is in the rest of Scotland.

"The law doesn't change when you step off the ferry. It's still anti social behaviour. It is also particularly worrying conduct during the current pandemic.

"The law applies to everyone equally.

"If people want to drink with their pals, they should go to a licensed premises where appropriate hygiene, contact and trace and social distancing measures are in place."

Pamela says that people drinking on the shoreline in numbers are risking the safety of others.

She said: "It's been great to see so many families and kids beginning to use the beaches again, but this will certainly put people off. That's what the beach is for - it is not for drinking sessions."

Pamela says that the police had been informed of the situation and have told her they will be keeping regular checks on the area.

It is an offence for anyone to drink any form of alcohol in any public place in North Ayrshire or to be found in possession of an open container containing alcoholic liquor in any public place in North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland state that anyone found breaking this bye-law will be liable to a fine of up to £500 if convicted.

Sergeant Sharon Kerr said: "I am aware of concerns regarding persons allegedly gathering and drinking on the beach in Kames Bay.

"Police responded to one such call during a recent weekend and there were no trace of any persons drinking, only two families on the beach enjoying a picnic and adhering to social distancing.

"However this is something we will continue to monitor now that it has been raised."