Scots youths swim in loch with rats and swans as locals scream 'get out'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Shocking footage has shown the moment a large group of youths were seen paddling in a muddy loch with rats while locals shouted at them to get out.The youngsters decided to take a dip in St Margaret's Loch in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, during the nice weather on Sunday.

As reported by Edinburgh Live, the six youngsters were seen wearing swimming shorts, splashing about in the loch - with one even dunking his head underneath the water.Rats are often spotted by the side of the water and it is against the law to swim in the loch, which is home to lots of wildlife including swans, ducks and geese.A shocked passer-by said: "Folk were jumping into the pond at Arthur's Seat - they have swans there!

I've never seen anyone swim in this before. Onlookers were in shock and folk were shouting for them to get out - this should be reported."Holyrood Park is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland's Ranger Service, who have previously had to put up signs near the water asking people not to feed any of the wildlife in the area as it was attracting rats.A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We would remind visitors to Holyrood Park that swimming in any of the lochs within the park is not permitted by law.

This is in the interests of public safety, as well to protect the park’s plants and wildlife.” Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here. Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here