Highland League fans have been warned not to break coronavirus rules to ensure crowds can continue to cheer from the stands after supporters erected stepladders to watch a game.
At the weekend, supporters of Deveronvale created their own unique vantage point for the side’s Scottish Cup tie.
At least 10 fans were spotted peering over the perimeter of Princess Royal Park in Banff atop stepladders of varying sizes.
Scottish Government coronavirus rules mean only grounds in Level 1 regions can open their gates.
This means teams in the Highlands and Moray can welcome supporters under strict safety protocols while those in Aberdeenshire must remain completely closed to fans with only officials allowed inside.
Vale broadcast the match, which they lost 4-1 to Falkirk-based Camelon, online for £5 to ensure fans could still watch the game while being kept away from the stadium.
Yesterday concerns were raised in the Highland League that a trend of crowds gathering outside grounds with stepladders and other methods to catch a glimpse of the action could put in jeopardy attempts to open all stadia once again.
Highland League president Raymond Cardno warned the actions of fans remained under the watchful eye of authorities – whether they are locked out or not.
He said: “We are under scrutiny, as a whole, through the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA.
“We’re in the privileged position that Level 1 clubs can get spectators back in and we want to do everything we can to maintain that and make sure everything is being done in accordance with the protocols.
“All the clubs, including those in Aberdeenshire, have all worked very hard to get to this point. It’s disappointing to hear some supporters have done this.”
Mr Cardno explained the protocols in place in Highlands and Moray grounds had been working “very well”.
He added: “Everybody is concerned about doing the right thing, things will improve as clubs get more used to doing them.”
Earlier in the season supporters of Brora Rangers were seen gathering on the roadside to watch games before permission was given for them to welcome fans again.
Meanwhile, fans of Buckie Thistle and Rothes were urged to stay away from the Highland League Cup final showpiece in Keith due to Covid-19 rules.
Flags showing team colours were seen erected around the Kynoch Park ground on the morning of the game before it was postponed due to bad weather.
However, stepladders in the Highland League is just one of the many creative solutions fans have come up to circumvent coronavirus rules.
Two enterprising Dons fans were spotted in a cherry picker outside Pittodrie to watch Aberdeen’s season opener against Rangers.
Meanwhile, a group of Montrose supporters sat on the roof of a campervan to cheer on the Gable Endies in a derby match at Arbroath.