Brendan O'Hara MP's fury at Airbnb Loch Lomond properties

Brendan O'Hara was speaking after an investigation by The Ferret revealed that properties across Scotland – including one near Loch Lomond – were still advertising for, and accepting, guests despite the tight restrictions on movement imposed to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr O'Hara says he understands the true number of properties in the Loch Lomondside area still advertising on Airbnb is actually 19.

His call came after large numbers of visitors to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park two weekends ago sparked a furious response from politicians – Mr O'Hara among them – as well as from residents and local authorities.

READ MORE: 'Do NOT visit National Park': Loch Lomond authority's pandemic plea

The Argyll and Bute MP said: “The message could not be clearer – ‘stay at home, stay safe and do not travel unless absolutely necessary’.

"So many responsible holiday home owners are turning away business because they do not want the virus being spread in the communities; I know this is hard for them when their livelihoods are at stake, but it is absolutely the right thing to do.

"Those who are still taking bookings stand accused of putting personal profit before people’s health.

“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.

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“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.”

Large crowds gathered on the weekend of March 21 and 22 in seafront and lochside beauty spots around Scotland – including Luss, Balloch, Inveraray and Largs – prompting councillors, business owners and, locally, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, to urge people to stay away.

The Prime Minister imposed stringent limits on people's movements the next day, telling people to stay at home apart from shopping for essential supplies, for care and medical needs, and for 'key workers' who cannot work from home.

Mr O’Hara continued: “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.

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"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 property owners who continue to accept bookings for holidays taking place during the lockdown limits could be fined up to £10,000.

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond here

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