Snow gates should be closed to stop tourists travelling to rural Scotland over Easter, an MSP claimed.
The temporary road blocks are normally used to stop traffic on busy routes such as the A9 either side of the Cairngorms in severe weather.
But with fears for an influx of tourists ignoring strict lockdown rules, Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said police could slam them shut.
He said: “By travelling to these areas people put pressure on the already limited health infrastructure, risk leaving nothing in shops for local people, and potentially spread the virus too.
“The Scottish Government must explore every option to ensure that rural communities are protected at this time of crisis.
“Restricting ferry services to essential journeys has brought much needed relief for island communities and I’d urge ministers to consider what equivalent measures may be required on the mainland to protect those communities.
“All measures, up to and including closing the snow gates, must be considered to protect communities during this unprecedented emergency period.”
Finnie, the Scottish Green Party rural communities spokesman, made the call on the same day as Airbnb took action to stop bookings over the lockdown period.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously pleaded for people to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary travel.
