Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing condemed people who are travelling to the Highlands and Islands amid the coronavirus crisis, saying he is "furious at the reckless and irresponsible behaviour".
People with second homes and campervans have been reportedly travelling to the area in recent days.
Mr Ewing is urging people to stop travelling to the rural areas in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19, saying they are endangering people's lives.
He said: "I am furious at the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of some people travelling to the Highland and Islands. This has to stop now.
"Let me be crystal clear, people should not be travelling to rural and island communities full stop. They are endangering lives. Do not travel."
He added that panic buying and stock-piling is also having a serious impact on small, rural shops.
He said: “Panic buying will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of rural shops and potentially puts unwanted pressure on NHS services in our rural communities.
“The Scottish Government’s advice is that essential travel only should be undertaken. We have been in touch with CalMac and industry leaders to discuss what further measures may be required to deal with this issue.”
