LETTING agents have been reminded of their responsibility to protect public health during the ongoing coronavirus crisis - after it was revealed an Airbnb property in the Loch Lomond area was still accepting guests during lockdown.
An investigation by the Ferret uncovered several properties across the country breaching government guidance to shut, including one undisclosed location in the Loch Lomond area.
Despite the reporter making clear that they weren’t covered by any exemptions to the restrictions, they were offered a room at £100 for a night.
READ MORE: 'Do NOT visit National Park': Loch Lomond authority's pandemic plea
Properties still advertising their holiday accommodation could be fined up to £10,000 and Scottish Green Party MSP Ross Greer, whose west of Scotland region covers most of Loch Lomond, has called for action.
He said: "It’s totally irresponsible for an Airbnb owner to be ignoring restrictions like this.
"Not only is it clearly illegal, but it’s playing Russian roulette with the lives of people in communities around Loch Lomond and across Scotland.
"Regular hotel and B&B owners are responsibly following the lockdown, so why have some Airbnb hosts decided to flout the rules?
READ MORE: Invergare neighbours hit out at Rhu Airbnb 'party pad'
“Not only does taking a trip away from home risk spreading the virus, there are specific problems with people travelling to rural areas where there’s less infrastructure and hospital beds are further away.
"I’m calling on Airbnb to withdraw adverts for all properties until further notice unless it is to support key workers and to send a clear message that unnecessary travel to Loch Lomond is off limits.”
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