A popular Fife beach has been declared a no-go area for nudity after it was wrongly billed as a haven for naturists.
Police issued a reminder to beachgoers that none of the region’s beaches are designated for nudist or naturist activity following reports of people parading around naked at Dumbarnie Links in recent months.
It is understood officers were called to the beach, between Lower Largo and Earlsferry, several weeks ago and, after investigating an alleged indecent exposure, discovered that the tourist spot is being advertised online as a well-known destination for nudists keen to leave their inhibitions behind.
Police have insisted this is not the case and have stressed that people who expose themselves are likely to find themselves in trouble with the law.
The warning echoes a similar one last year involving Kinshaldy Beach where it was found that it too was listed on some websites as an area suitable for nudist or naturist sunbathing.
PC Paul Buttercase, community safety officer for north-east Fife, said, “Dumbarnie Links is mentioned on a number of websites as being an unofficial nudist/naturist area.
“The area of Dumbarnie Links is the responsibility of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Balcarres Estate. They have confirmed that the beaches in that area have never been designated as suitable for such a purpose.”
PC Buttercase also went on to stress that officers were in no way suggesting or inferring that the recent incident of indecent behaviour reported on Dumbarnie Links is connected to the nudist or naturist community.ComplaintHe said, “We are highlighting the fact that the area is not a designated naturist or nudist site to avoid members of that community reading otherwise elsewhere and attending at the beach only to find themselves the subject of a complaint of indecent exposure.
“With regard to those persons who may consider attending the area to carry out acts of indecency I would highlight that any person found in such circumstances will be dealt with appropriately and reported to the area procurator fiscal.”
There have been numerous reports of people stripping off at both Kinshaldy and Dumbarnie in recent years, some of whom have made the courts.
But Sheriff Charles Macnair acquitted a man of breach of the peace at Cupar Sheriff Court last year after suggesting that, because of Dumbarnie’s reputation, he did not consider merely being naked in that location in the circumstances would amount to criminal conduct.
The sheriff pointed out there might be places where it would, but accepted the fact that Dumbarnie Links is frequented by nudists and naturists as mitigating evidence.
Nonetheless, a spokesman for the Scottish Wildlife Trust has clarified its position, confirming that Dumbarnie is managed as a wildlife reserve and not approved for nudist/naturist activity.
Photo by Flickr user victoriapeckham