‘Don’t even think about Politicians tell public to stay safe indoors and avoid countryside during Easter break

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford is among the politicians calling on the public to steer clear of north and north-east beauty spots this Easter. The renewed warning has been issued due to evidence that some people are still going to scenic locations despite gateways being padlocked to deter visitors.

And with better weather and the looming holiday weekend, there are fears the public could flout the latest government advice.

It follows a plea from the first minister last month for tourists not to “risk lives” by travelling north to flee the pandemic, after it emerged the Nevis Range in Fort William had to turn away 30 campervans.

Government advice was updated last week to urge people to “stay local” when out for once-daily exercise, rather than travelling by car to popular rural locations.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, who represents Ross, Skye and Lochaber, issued a stark warning to anyone wishing to visit the area, saying if they failed to follow government advice “many more people will become ill and die”.

He said: “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!

“For those who have already flouted the emergency legislation and come to the Highlands – whether to visit relatives, self-isolate or whatever – please, make no mistake, you are not welcome just now, so please leave.

“Please go home. Your behaviour is selfish, arrogant and reckless.”

Mr Blackford said the Scottish and Westminster governments have been very clear that all non-essential travel is prohibited.

He called upon people to remain at their main residence for the “sake of the general good”.

“The need to control the spread of Covid-19 is the greatest challenge facing us all at this time,” he added.

In urging the public to stay home this Easter, Douglas Ross, MP for Moray, stressed that the area’s “outstanding scenery and local beauty spots” will still be there once restrictions are lifted.

He said: “I understand that several gateways to local beauty spots have been padlocked, but people are parking their cars outside and going in nevertheless.

“We are in this together and need to do everything we can to stop this awful virus from spreading further.”

Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said police officers have the power to issue fines to those who choose to ignore government advice.

She said: “Non-essential must stop.

“The police now have enforcement powers to crack down on anybody who isn’t following government guidance on non-essential travel and that includes holidaymakers choosing to visit the Highlands.

“The only way we are going to stop this pandemic is by staying at home – so, please, stay at home.”

The measures put in place by Prime Minister Boris Johnson were initially introduced for three weeks, which mean it would be April 13 – the day after Easter Sunday – before they could be lifted.

However, this is subject to “constant review” and could be extended further, with the deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries stating it may be at least six months before the UK is back to normal.

Police Scotland have had high visibility patrols in place across the country since they were granted additional enforcement powers.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “It’s clear that the vast majority of people are complying with the measures.

“There will always be people who refuse to comply, but the low number of penalty notices shows they are in the minority and in those cases we’ve had to use enforcement as a last resort.

“This is a big change to the way people live their lives and they need to adjust to that.” travel

“Non-essential travel must stop. So, please, stay at home”