Two house parties were busted in Perth and Kinross by police at the weekend, it has emerged.
Thirteen people were fined for breaking COVID-19 restrictions in the same week the region recorded its joint deadliest seven-day period of the pandemic.
Police confirmed nine fixed penalty notices were issued on Saturday, January 9 when officers discovered a party at a property in Trades Lane in Coupar Angus.
And the next day, four people were issued with fines after being found together at a property in Milnathort’s New Road.
Reacting to the news, Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said there was “unfortunately still a small minority who are endangering the health of themselves and others”.
He added: “As the daily case numbers and death totals show, we are facing a profound challenge in trying to suppress this virus.
“Accordingly, I would ask those who are currently not following the current guidelines to be mindful of their responsibilities to others, and to remember that we are asking them to take these actions to save lives.
“I am hugely grateful to the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules, and I thank them once more for their ongoing sacrifices.”
It emerged on Wednesday that the first full week of 2021 saw 13 deaths from COVID-19 in Perth and Kinross.
Only one other week - back in April - has seen as many as 13 deaths.
The total number of deaths in the region is now 146
