CALMAC has turned away 66 “non-essential” travellers in the last two weeks, The National can reveal.
The ferry company introduced new rules last month to stop tourists and day trippers.
Instead, the “lifeline” timetable is only for those who live on the islands, who have an essential need to travel to or from the mainland, and for essential supplies or business.
However, the publicly owned ferry company has no power to check if passengers are legitimately making essential travel.
A spokesman for CalMac said: “ People should not be travelling to second homes and we would not permit someone to board for this reason. However, we need to take people on trust when they tell us their reason for travel.”
The news comes as politicians joined forces to urge tourists and second home-owners to stay away from the Highlands, Islands, and Scotland’s many other beauty spots.
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, whose constituency includes Skye, said visitors to the area were putting “an unnecessary burden” on local healthcare providers and amenities.
In a message to anyone considering leaving their home this Easter weekend, Blackford said: “Please don’t. You will be putting lives at risk.”
He added: “The lockdown is hard for everyone, especially over the holiday weekend, but we must all stay at home this Easter to save lives.”
Blackford’s fears were echoed by Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie, who called for snow gates to be closed to stop cars getting north.
The calls came after Airbnb’s announcement they were set to ban UK bookings during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The short-term let firm faced criticism after continuing to advertise properties despite the lockdown.
The company said it would now only take bookings from key workers.
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