Seaside replaced self-isolating

Disgraced MP Margaret Ferrier took a trip to the beach while displaying Covid-19 symptoms, it has emerged.

The Hamiltonwest representative travelled to Prestwick beach in Ayrshire while awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.

She stopped off at the coastal town to take photographs of the area and post them to her Instagram account – which has now been deleted.

The 60-year-old is understood to have headed there after attending a mass at St Mungo’s Church in Townhead, Glasgow, on Sunday, September 27 – the day after she was tested.

Ferrier later travelled to Westminster and also returned to Glasgow by train despite having tested positive.

She also visited a gift shop, a beauty salon and a leisure centre in her constituency on September 26.

Ferrier, who earns a Parliamentary salary of more than £81,000 plus expenses, had the SNP whip withdrawn and has been suspended by the party. She has also been under pressure from opposition parties and her former colleagues to quit, but has refused to stand down.

A source told our sister paperthe Sunday Mail:“i don’t think Margaret could have taken any more trips if she had tried. She visited more places that weekend than I have in a month.

“Now we know she also visited the beach at Prestwick. On September 27 she uploaded pictures of the beach, benches on the promenade and tagged her location.

“Everybody knows you should self-isolate if you have symptoms and if you have a positive test you should continue to self-isolate.

“She’s in a very privileged position as an MP and with that comes a level of trust. Her actions broke that trust with her constituents and in this case I think it’s so severe I don’t think it can ever be repaired.”

The SNP said:“margaret Ferrier’s actions are indefensible. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Snpwestminster Leader Ian Blackford have been clear that she should resign.”

Ferrier did not respond to the Sunday Mail’s request for comment.