SCENES of dozens of revellers turning up at Aberdour's Silver Sands over last weekend has prompted calls for the public to adhere to the government's safety measures.

Late last week, charity RNLI urged the public to stay safe as lockdown restrictions eased but as the warm weather hit, people flocked to the coast.

Aberdour Community Council chairman Ian Fleming said the scenes received a mixed reception among villagers and while some were upset, others were more relaxed.

"It was fairly mobbed," Ian said. "There was evidently lots of large groups of people.

"Police came down several times but I do not know if anyone was fined.

"My biggest concern is that the community was just not ready for the influx.

"The bins are not being collected, the toilets are not up and running and there are no lifeguards.

"Of course people want to go to the beach but the resources are just not ready for them.

"The added dimension is that there was a huge diversity of people coming from far away.

"And while I don't think there was as many as we feared, it's clear that people were travelling further than five miles."

The RNLI in Scotland has warned that an easing of lockdown does not mean an instantly safer coast and water temperatures remain dangerously cold.

The charity will be running a restricted lifeguard service, however, will not be starting a normal service until later in June.

Ian added: "Ultimately, the RNLI are volunteers and if they are put into contact with people, they're in danger.

"We are not saying don't come to the beach, but enjoy it sensibly.

"We are not back to normal and I fear that complacency will come in.

"But you need to look after yourself and other people."

Meanwhile, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Neale Hanvey has warned that the beaches and coastline of Fife could be more dangerous places after the lockdown is lifted.

The RNLI is facing severe challenges in fundraising and he said this would have both an immediate and long-term impact on its ability to keep our beaches and coastlines safe.

As well as a stark financial future, Mr Hanvey has warned that the RNLI will have difficulties in encouraging lifeguards to return following the COVID-19 crisis.

“Like many charities, the RNLI is facing a precarious future once the lockdown restrictions are eased," he said.

“This is really worrying for places like my constituency, which has beautiful and popular beaches such as Aberdour and Burntisland that have previously been lifeguarded by the RNLI.

“I’m calling on the UK Government to step in with emergency support for both the individual lifeguards and the RNLI to safeguard the future of the emergency service.”