SCOTTISH Tories have sparked outrage after flouting coronavirus restrictions to meet in an Aberdeenshire town.
A crowd of party politicians and activists were photographed by a concerned local in Cove on Saturday.
More than six people can be seen at the gathering in a library car park, breaking Scottish Government rules which state a maximum of six people from two households can meet indoors or outdoors.
The group is thought to have included Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett and councillors John Wheeler and Freddie John.
Angry local residents flagged the gathering to SNP MP Stephen Flynn, the representative for Aberdeen South.
He took to social media to condemn the Tories, saying it was the “last thing” the community in Cove needed as they struggle to suppress the virus.
Bitterly disappointing to see the Tories crowding together in Cove today. Folk in the local community are making huge sacrifices at the moment and the last thing they need to see is senior politicians and activists huddling together in the local library car park. pic.twitter.com/daW7P1KFKK
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) October 17, 2020
One local replied: “I saw this lot when I was walking my dogs and was disgusted.”
Flynn told The National: “Cove is a close-knit community and folk will be scunnered that when they are making huge sacrifices the Tories are huddling together outside the local library.
“Campaigning for votes during a pandemic is extremely difficult but there is absolutely no need for this sort of behaviour – those involved should really know better and I expect a fair few apologies will be forthcoming.”
READ MORE: Willie Rennie under fire for canvassing without a mask mid-pandemic
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart demanded a response from Scottish Tory chief Douglas Ross.
He tweeted: “Elected politicians, including at least one MSP crowded together with not a mask in sight. Very, very poor show from the Tories here. What’s your thoughts @Douglas4Moray?”
Elected politicians, including at least one MSP crowded together with not a mask in sight. Very, very poor show from the Tories here. What’s your thoughts @Douglas4Moray?
— Kevin Stewart MSP (@KevinStewartSNP) October 17, 2020
The Scottish Conservatives insisted members had been informed of the coronavirus rules.
A spokesman commented: “Social distancing is an important part of public health messaging during the Covid-19 outbreak and the party has emphasised the rules.”
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