AN SNP MP has broadcast his “disgust” amid reports of people visiting Highland holiday homes in contravention of coronavirus lockdown rules.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey representative Drew Hendry has blasted “selfish” visitors after being informed by locals that people are continuing to arrive in the region.

MPs across the Highlands and Islands have expressed concerns since lockdown measures were imposed that visitors were endangering local people, as well as being a potential burden on essential resources.

Hendry tweeted: “As reports of people visiting Highland holiday homes and second homes in our communities continue to come in, I share your frustration and disgust at this selfish behaviour.”

He added: “As I was reminded yesterday, it is important to also recognise that the large majority of our local small independent self catering businesses did close their doors weeks ago, many even before they were asked to do so.

“They took decisive action early on – to protect lives and our NHS – action which has now left many of them without financial support. If this is your business, thank you for helping protect your local community.”

Hendry’s post comes after a Labour life peer was accused of flouting government rules by travelling with his wife from England to his cottage on the Black Isle.

The National revealed Lord Alan Haworth and wife Margaret arrived in the village of Avoch on the last Sunday in March – after the social distancing rules came into force on March 23.

READ MORE: Labour peer accused of breaching lockdown rules by going to second home

One village resident told The National: “It is absolutely disgraceful. Many people here are extremely angry and just see this as being another example of arrogant, privileged people who think that rules don’t apply to them.”

Haworth could not be contacted for comment.

Yesterday, Airbnb announced it would stop taking booking for holiday lets in the UK, unless they are for key workers.

The move followed complaints from Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara and Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford. They had warned that the listing of accommodation risked a surge of unwanted visitors arriving in the Highlands and Islands over Easter.

READ MORE: Airbnb to shut down booking service after Highlands and Islands backlash

Several properties in Scotland advertised on the platform has been promoted as places to self-isolate. They included a house in Edinburgh described as being "the perfect place to isolate yourself from the coronavirus".

And last month, after travel restrictions were imposed as part of wider lockdown measures, around 30 campervans were reportedly turned away from a Fort William park – prompting the Scottish Government to urge the public not use the Highlands and Islands as a retreat from the coronavirus.

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