I understand that the West Coast Railway who operate the Jacobite Steam Train have “issued lines” to the media which criticises me for calling them out for taking bookings for their service between Fort William and Mallaig whilst the lockdown is in place.
I asked the Jacobite railway not to take bookings until we know that it is safe for people to come to the Highlands is because that is what constituents have asked me to do. The company claims I have not asked other companies to stop taking bookings for the next weeks.
I have been robust in calling out any company that seeks to facilitate bringing tourists to the Highlands whilst the health emergency is going on and it really beggars belief that West Coast Railway have sought to deflect attention from themselves in this ill judged comment.
When the health emergency is over we will be happy to welcome visitors to the Highlands, it is what we do.
Any company that does not recognise the concern that people have in the Highlands to remain safe by asking tourists to stay away is not respecting the people that live in this area.
Let me state by taking bookings West Coast Railway are in effect encouraging visitors to seek to find accommodation. Companies have responsibilities to the communities that inhabit the places where they seek to operate and must exhibit social corporate responsibility.
Companies which encourage people to travel are putting lives and our NHS at risk.
