Passengers have been found hiding on board several CalMac ferries in a desperate attempt to flout lockdown.
Staff were stunned to find 'stir crazy' people hiding in vehicles trying to travel for 'non essential purposes' during the coronavirus pandemic.
The stowaways included a group of golfers in a van on the crossing between Largs and Cumbrae, reports The Scotsman.
Two other people were believed to be found hiding in footwells of a car on a ferry heading from Arran to the mainland.
The alarm is thought to have been raised when people reported them to police after becoming wise of their plan.
The revelation comes as tensions rise off the west coast where residents are barred from visiting relatives on the mainland, unlike the rest of Scotland.
They were all prevented from travelling and are said to be going 'stir crazy'.
CalMac 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.”
