Scapa beach restrictions lifted

Restrictions on visiting Scapa beach have been removed.

Representatives of Police Scotland, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Orkney Islands Council met on Tuesday afternoon at Scapa to review the decision at the weekend to close access to the beach.

The decision was taken after a number of people complained about getting into difficulties on the beach in sinking sand.

The council assisted by placing signs and other equipment at Scapa. These have now been removed.

OIC environmental health manager David Brown said: “Although none of the agencies has responsibility for the beach, the initial response was made in the interests of public safety.

“Since then a number of tides have come in and gone out and, although the sand is soft, the beach appears to be back to normal.

“It is worth stressing, though, that beaches are a dynamic environment where weather and tidal conditions can bring about changes – so we would recommend the sort of precautions normally taken when people are out and about in the Orkney countryside.”