Scottish holidaymakers face hefty fines in Greece for breaking 'beach pebble rule'

Scottish holidaymakers are being hit with a stern warning about a strict beach regulation in Greece that could see them facing a hefty fine. The Mediterranean hotspot, renowned for its stunning vistas and balmy climes, is a favourite among tourists.

However, a seemingly innocuous blunder could land visitors with an eye-watering £850 penalty. Tourists soaking up the sun in Skiathos, nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, are particularly at risk.

The local authorities have made it clear that anyone caught pocketing pebbles from the picturesque Lalaria Beach will be fined. The stringent measures were put into effect back in 2018 to prevent the removal of rocks from the island's most celebrated shoreline, which derives its name from the ancient Greek term for pebble.

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A prominently displayed sign warns beachgoers: "It is strictly prohibited to remove pebbles or stones from anywhere on the beach.", reports Birmingham Live.

To further ensure adherence to the rules, Skiathos officials have installed "Lalaria Beach pebble return boxes" at airports, where travellers can expect their luggage to be inspected, as reported by The Express.

These regulations are crucial for preserving the integrity of the iconic beach, which gained fame after appearing in the hit film Mamma Mia. To promote conservation, local campaigners and officials have adopted the catchy phrase "Take a picture, not a pebble," now seen on posters throughout the island.

The harbour master chief of the island discussed the introduction of fines back in 2018, expressing to The Guardian: "Lalaria is not a protected site so the fines were announced in extremis."

"Now that all these measures have been taken we hope they will have a deterrent effect."

Athina Papageorgiou, the town's spokesperson, also weighed in on the necessity of the rules due to Skiathos' increasing popularity.

In 2018, she remarked: "On the back of the tourism surge there's been a noticeable decline in the stones. It may be a small thing to take one here and there, but when that is repeated multiple times, the result is there is nothing left."