A GROUP of golfers are among stowaways to have been caught on CalMac ferries trying to evade lockdown rules.
Passengers have been discovered hiding in vehicles on board several ferries as they tried to get round non-essential restrictions on trips to and from Scottish islands.
The Scotsman reports that those caught so far include golfers in a van on the crossing between Largs and Cumbrae.
Another pair, said to be from Arran, were spotted in the rear footwells of a car on a ship on its way to the mainland.
Both groups were stopped from travelling after being caught.
Highland and island politicians have repeatedly urged the public to stick to lockdown rules amid fears that travel to and from the area could prompt an outbreak which could overwhelm local services.
READ MORE: Author apologises for 'stupid' 11,000-mile journey to Skye during lockdown
But a ferry source told the Scotsman: “Some people are going stir crazy after being refused the ability to travel for more than two months.”
CalMac urged passengers to behave responsibly.
Director of operations Robert Morrison said: “As per Scottish Government guidelines, travel to our islands remains for essential purposes only.
“We have had some occasions when people have tried to gain passage to or from our islands by concealing themselves in vehicles. Anybody found to be doing so will be not be allowed to travel.
“We would again encourage people to behave responsibly and respect the wishes of island communities until guidelines allow for non-essential travel.”
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