AIRBNB owners across the Highlands and Islands have been told to cease trading immediately to help prevent a surge of unwanted visitors arriving in the area over Easter.

Several holiday rentals are still being advertised on the company’s website, including 19 on Loch Lomondside alone, despite government-imposed lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus.

Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara says he is shocked by how easily Airbnb bookings can be made for this week.

He reiterated the message from Holyrood: stay at home, stay safe and do not travel unless absolutely necessary’.

He thanked “responsible” holiday home owners are turning away business to help prevent the spread of the virus, but stated: “Those who are still taking bookings stand accused of putting personal profit before people’s health.”

The SNP MP also said he had received reports of visitors “emptying shelves” in local shops, denying locals vital supplies.

He said: “It is not ok for Airbnb operators to ignore the warnings. No-one should be taking holidays just now or using holiday accommodation as a bolt-hole. This kind of behaviour is selfish and puts all local services and our NHS under far too much pressure.”

“It is very worrying that tourist accommodation is still being offered in this area and I have written to the company to ask them to desist.”

O’Hara’s complaint comes after tourists and second home owners were told to stay away from the Highlands and Islands because of fears they could spread Covid-19.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and MP Angus MacNeil have issued strongly worded messages to non-residents to stay away because of the strain an outbreak could put on services.

The plea follows The National’s exposure of a landlord offering Skye lets as “isolation solutions” for city-dwellers for £3100 per month.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Tourists told to stay away from vulnerable communities

O’Hara added: “I have received numerous complaints from local people, from every part of this constituency telling of how those who have come to ‘escape’ the virus have been emptying shelves from the Co-op in Lochgilphead to the village store in Tignabruaich, thereby denying local people who rely on these shops – and who very often have nowhere else to go – of vital supplies. They are also risking spreading the virus by heading here for days out and weekends away.

“I’m very pleased that the Scottish Government has taken action and has banned all but essential ferry travel to our islands and our ferry operators have been doing great work trying to ensure this happens. I hope that those who have so far refused to act responsibility, and who disregard the interest of our local communities, will now take the decision to shut down.”

Airbnb, which has been issued advice by Holyrood, says it been in regular discussions with the Government about travel restrictions and has introduced measures and guidance for both hosts and guests.

The firm says all hosts are being reminded to review the latest government guidance before accepting any new bookings, while guests have been sent the latest travel advice from the Government and the restrictions that apply.

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