YOU don't have to look too far through the Advertiser's website - and this week's print paper - to know that the gradual easing of lockdown measures brought with it some unfortunate, yet not completely unexpected, effects.

The relaxation of certain restrictions, to allow us more time outdoors and to see friends or relatives from different households, was welcome news for those who haven’t left home for 10 weeks and have been unable to enjoy the company of loved ones.

Of course the desire to steadily re-integrate into society is clouded by a high degree of trepidation; the virus has not simply disappeared.

But throw in a scorching hot weather forecast for the same weekend as we’re all given permission to play outside more often, and there lay the perfect cocktail which proved irresistible for many.

READ MORE: Fire crew in crash, a pedestrian near-miss, and an open-air toilet on beach: the heavy toll of a weekend of chaos in Luss and Arrochar

Popular visitor hotspots which have been given some well-earned respite during lockdown in what would normally be peak tourist season were once again inundated with day trippers.

Luss, Balloch, the Duck Bay area and Falls of Falloch - all gems of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, were stowed out with cars and people.

The First Minister herself slammed those who put the whole ‘unlocking’ process at risk for a jaunt in the summer sun well beyond the recommended five-mile radius.

Reports have since followed of the disgusting trail of rubbish left at these beauty spots and the unenviable clean-up operation required to restore their picturesque reputation.

READ MORE: Friends' fury as lockdown sees spike in dog fouling at Helensburgh Cemetery

One positive side-effect of the pandemic has been the environmental impact of the shutdown of major industries across the globe, bringing about a much needed, if only temporary, reduction in pollutant emissions.

However it has not gone unnoticed that fly-tipping has been on the rise, as well as dog fouling, as covered in this week’s issue.

They say old habits die hard but the ‘new normal’ which will follow this crisis should be one in which dumb dumpers are left behind for good.

READ MORE: Click here for all the latest news headlines from around Helensburgh and Lomond