MP blasted over ‘offensive’ tweet

The SNP’s leader at Westminster is facing calls to apologise for sharing a tweet including an expletive encouraging people not to travel to Scotland.

Ian Blackford retweeted an image of a road sign at Scotland’s border, which had been edited to say: “We’re shut. F*** off.”

Although he commented on the tweet to say it was “perhaps not the language I would use”, the Scottish Conservatives have criticised the “utterly inexcusable” post.

The edited image was posted in response to news that author Neil Gaiman travelled from New Zealand to his house in Skye.

Mr Blackford had earlier described that as “gobsmacking” amid a plea for people not to travel to the Highlands contrary to the lockdown rules.

But quoting the doctored photograph, Mr Blackford added: “Perhaps not the language I would use but for some folk perhaps it needs to be blunt before they get it!”

Reacting to the post, Scottish Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton called for an apology “for his disgraceful endorsement of such negative, aggressive and offensive language”.

She added: “No parliamentarian should be using or endorsing a tweet like this – it is utterly inexcusable.

“Tourism is one of our biggest industries in Scotland, we must all work towards ensuring its future.

“Scotland is still in a crisis, with tempers running pretty high, so this kind of irresponsible and offensive language is only likely to inflame the situation.”

It came as Police Scotland confirmed officers have spoken to Mr Gaiman, who admitted to travelling more than 11,000 miles from New Zealand to his house in Skye in breach of lockdown rules.

The American Gods and Good Omens author said he travelled to Scotland so he could “isolate easily” after he and his wife Amanda agreed they “needed to give each other some space”.

Only essential journeys are permitted under lockdown rules in Scotland, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressing the message north of the border is “stay at home”.

A statement from the Scottish police force confirmed the 59-year-old had been given “suitable advice”.

In response to some criticism online, Gaiman responded: “I’m currently a UK taxpayer and on the Scottish voting rolls. I went home.”

At her daily coronavirus briefing, the first minister was asked about Mr Gaiman.

She said travelling to remote parts of the country risked bringing the virus there and putting pressure on local services.