Latest ruse to beat the lockdown? Stowing away on isle ferries
VISITORS breaching lockdown rules have been trying to smuggle themselves to Scotland’s islands by stowing away on ferries.
Despite an ongoing ban on non-essential travel, residents of West Coast isles have seen an influx of tourists.
A group of golfers was found in the back of a van trying to cross incognito from Largs, Ayrshire, to Cumbrae.
In another incident, two people, understood to be islanders, were discovered in the rear footwells of a car that was heading from Arran to the mainland. Travel to and from the islands remains banned, unless for essential journeys.
It is thought that all those caught trying to sneak ashore were rumbled by staff on the ferries, after being reported by other travellers. None were allowed to travel.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne says it has turned away more than 270 passengers – including day-trippers and second-home owners – trying to reach islands. The total has almost doubled over the past two weeks.
CalMac is to extend its ‘essential travel only’ timetable until at least the end of the month.
No future bookings will be taken until after June 30, as the company continues to work with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to implement travel guidelines.
With only six Covid-19 cases in total, including none confirmed since April 10, and no deaths, Western Isles Health Board has the lowest infection rates in the country. But with a largely
elderly population, the islands are especially vulnerable to an outbreak.
CalMac director of operations Robert Morrison said: ‘People have tried to gain passage to or from our islands by concealing themselves in vehicles.
‘Anybody found to be doing so will not be allowed to travel.
We would encourage people to behave responsibly and respect the wishes of island communities until guidelines allow for non-essential travel.’