SNP MSP John Mason has been criticised by the Health Secretary for announcing he will continue to hold face-to-face constituency surgeries despite coronavirus guidance.

The Glasgow Shettleston MSP said he and his staff are “keen to be as available as possible”, announcing on Twitter his office would continue to be open five days a week.

The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament have both advised those who can work from home to do so in a bid to stop the spread of the virus – with 14 losing their lives in Scotland since the outbreak began.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman urged Mason to listen to the advice.

She said: “John please don’t do this. Follow the clear health guidance – you are neither an exception nor exceptional.”

SNP MP Philippa Whitford criticised the decision by her party colleague, tweeting: “Can I suggest you should be setting an EXAMPLE! – NOT putting your staff and constituents at risk of #COVID19 #StayAtHomeSaveLives.”

During Nicola Sturgeon's daily update on the coronavirus today, she was asked about Mason's decision to continue to act in contradiction to the Scottish Government's guidance.

She responded that the advice he was giving out was "not the right advice" but stopped short of confirming that any steps would be taken to address his behaviour.

Mason also criticsed the Easterhouse Baptist Church recently for cancelling services amid the pandemic, stating: “Surely we should be bold, take risks, and trust in Jesus?".

Mason came under fire earlier this year when he said he would not represent constituents who did not support Scottish independence.

The MSP said he would not be “speaking up for constituents who want lower taxes, Orange marches, keeping Scotland in the UK, etc”.