Quick thinking Scots jumped into action to rescue a young man after he plunged through the ice on a frozen reservoir.
A group of young people were seen playing ice hockey, skating and walking on the frozen surface at Eliburn reservoir in Livingston, West Lothian, on Sunday when one of them got into difficulty, Edinburgh Live reports.
A video of the daring rescue showed fellow skaters rushing to pull him from the bitterly cold waters while another image showed them using a hand saw to cut through the ice sheet.
The near-disaster followed ice safety warnings from Police Scotland after plummeting temperatures across the country resulted in wintery conditions over the weekend.
Social media viewers were quick to point out how dangerous playing on the reservoir was while others said it was just a bit of fun.
One person wrote: "Playing with fire being out on that ice. Has only been cold for around a week. No chance the ice is thick enough.
Another added: "Yes they having fun but if that ice gives way would be a whole [different] story my brother did this on a frozen pond many years ago and he fell right through under the ice, if it wasn't for a man passing and risking his own life my brother would not be here today."
But opinion was split, with others saying they should be allowed to have some fun after being locked up because of Covid.
A third person said: "If I had the chance I’d be right on there having a good slide."
Scots have been warned to be careful and avoid open water whether it is frozen or not, with Police Scotland saying it is impossible to tell how thick the ice is.
Chief superintendent David Duncan, said: "Winter, and the festive period, brings increased demands on all the emergency services, and the partner organisations which work alongside the blue light services.
"With the current restrictions on travel and socialising as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), more people may be out walking in their local areas than might usually be, as well as exploring new locations.
“The best advice is to avoid open water, be it frozen or not, and don't put yourself, your children or your pets at risk.
"It's impossible to tell how thick ice is at a glance, and water temperatures beneath broken ice can quickly make someone hypothermic. Please, stay safe near water this winter."
Officers were forced to break up a group of ice skaters at Queen’s Park pond in Glasgow at the weekend after a call from a concerned local.
The move came after a figure skater wowed locals with her stunning performance on the makeshift ice rink on Saturday.
