Tourists are told to stay away from Highlands this Easter
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IRRESPONSIBLE tourists looking to flout the coronavirus lockdown this Easter have been warned by an MP to stay away from the Highlands.
Ian Blackford, the SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, highlighted constituents’ concerns about the continued use of second/holiday homes in the area – contrary to clear government guidance restricting non-essential travel and requiring people to remain at their principal residence.
“With Easter almost upon us, it is worth reminding everyone about the emergency powers in place to restrict non-essential travel," he said. "That means that no tourists should be coming to the Highland and Islands area.
"It also means that holiday accommodation cannot be used unless it is the owner’s main residence.
“If anyone owns a second or holiday home in the Highlands, they should NOT be using it to self-isolate – powers exist and must be used to stop this behaviour.
"I am getting reports of some holiday homes being occupied by those who do not live in the Highlands. My message is simple – do not visit this area. Stay at home and, if you have disregarded the advice and come to the Highlands, return home now.”
Echoing government directions that essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar places, whether for isolation purposes or holidays, Mr Blackford said: “People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.
“The need to control the spread of Covid-19 is the greatest challenge facing us all at this time.
"There has been a rapid acceleration in the number of cases reported and it is vital that we all do the right things now so we can reduce the impact of coronavirus and save lives. If we don’t, we face the stark reality that many more people will become ill and die.
“I appreciate that most people are making every effort to act responsibly and follow the advice on social distancing provided by government experts. However, there are those who appear to think the advice applies to everyone else and who have chosen to head to the Highlands to self-isolate.
“To choose to ignore these instructions is the height of irresponsibility, threatens our communities and puts pressure on the health services in remote and rural areas.
“This is not acceptable. We are largely a number of remote and rural communities, often large distances from hospitals. Anyone coming to the Highlands on non-essential business is putting Highland communities at risk and threatening the ability of the NHS to do its job and manage the pandemic here.
“In the Highlands we are renowned for the welcome we provide and, once this terrible virus is no longer a threat to residents, we will be delighted to welcome visitors back to enjoy our wonderful scenery and hospitality. But my message to anyone who is considering ignoring the current lockdown rules to travel to the Highlands – or anywhere else – for Easter is simple. Don’t.”
