Speaking about the travel advice during her coronavirus meeting briefing in Edinburgh earlier, the First Minister confirmed that the Government has spoken with ferry companies around the country, she said: “I can confirm that as of now we have advised our ferry companies – who have already suspended bookings – to no longer take non-essential travellers.

Coronavirus in Scotland: Islanders urge tourists to stay away…for now

“Those who do not normally live on the islands and have travelled there in the last few days will be able to leave to reduce pressure.

“But from now on ferries will be for those who live on our islands, who have an essential need to travel to or from the mainland and for essential supplies or business. Nothing else.”

The news follows a post by Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, on her Facebook page in which she hinted at the move and thanked Transport Minister Michael Matheson and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing for their immediate action on the issue.

‘Ferries will be for those who live on our islands’ - Travel advice issued on non-essential ferry travel