As the heatwave continues to swirl around the UK this week, Scotland has been engulfed in hot temperatures and humid heat.
Due to the lovely weather many families will be heading straight for the nearest beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand. However, did you know that taking some cute seashells and pebbles home from the beach could land you with a hefty fine up to £1000?
The little-known UK law is most likely broken by unassuming families throughout their time spent at the beach. In fact, there's actually a number of unusual laws that beachgoers could break every time they head to the Scottish coasts, Edinburgh Live reports.
The legal experts at BPP University Law School have made a helpful list of beach laws that could see fines of up to thousands of pounds being handed out.
Littering on the beach - £2,500 fine
Leaving litter behind on the beach is a criminal offence in the UK, and applies to everywhere, not just the coast.
People who leave their rubbish on the beach could face a court prosecution, and a fine of up to £2,500 if convicted.
Authorised officials can charge people with a fixed penalty notice of up to £80 on the spot - so if you are heading to the beach this weekend, remember to pick up your rubbish!
Taking pebbles and seashells - £1,000 fine
Many people enjoy picking up a small seashell or pebble as a memento of their time spent on a new beach in Scotland and across the UK - it is a free gift that many people entertain.
However, under the the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any kind of natural materials from public beaches.
Breaking this law could see a fine of up to £1,000 being handed out if you are caught.
Camping on the beach - £1,000 fine
Though it may seem like a great idea, and relatively harmless, camping on the beach is actually illegal in the majority of areas across the country.
It has been banned to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour taking place in public areas.
Beach staff will often patrol these areas hourly, and campers who refuse to move could see fines of up to £1,000 or even face prosecution in court.
Having a BBQ - £100 fine
While it can be legal on some beaches to fire up a disposable barbeque, some local councils have implemented rules so that it is illegal to cook up a burger or sausage on the beach.
This law has been put into place to protect the local wildlife and reduce littering. Using a disposable BBQ on the beach where they are banned could land you with a £100 fine and it being confiscated from your possession.
Walking your dog - £100 fine
During hot weather, beaches tend to get busy with plenty of different households - including those with pets.
Local councils in the summer months tend to impose restrictions on allowing dogs on the beach, under the Public Spaces Protection Order.
Owners who are caught breaking the rules imposed by their local authorities could run the risk of being fined £100, -so check with the local council before bringing your pooch along.
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