Was Boris Johnson's visit to Scotland essential? Southern Reporter readers have their say

The Prime Minister insisted that the trip fell into the category of 'essential’ travel.

We asked if you agreed.

Marshall Douglas was in no doubt as to the purpose of the visit: “It’s a total sham. A PR stunt to try and prop up the failing union. To make a purely political visit for the self interest of his political party in the middle of a pandemic in contravention of travel advice is simply selfish and ludicrous. Given his track record however, what else could we expect?”

Ella Linton was in agreement: “We are doing as we are told - staying at home – so he should not come just now when there are so many deaths. Better to stay at home – our First Minister is not travelling to England I hope?”

And Patricia Anderson didn’t think the visit would fulfil its purpose: “It's not essential in a pandemic. People all over the UK are angry at him on social media for breaking his own rules to do a spot of canvassing for his party, while insisting that other people should stay at home.This will backfire on him spectacularly.”

Alan Barr was also concerned that Johnson would not be arriving alone: “It’s a complete farce. He more than anybody should be staying at home to enforce what everyone else should be doing. I’m guessing his entourage will number potentially 20-30 people.”

With plenty of us currently working from home, Fiona Schofield thought the Prime Minister should do the same: “No it’s not essential and it could be done by video or phone – no need to travel. People can’t go to funerals for reasons to do with travel and numbers allowed. I can’t see family or friends so why should he get to travel up and down the country when he doesn’t travel alone and has a huge entourage with him? One rule for them and another for us.”

But others, including Ian Simpson, believed that the visit was fully justified: “He is the Prime Minister after all. He can visit Scotland anytime to thank hospital staff on the front line, meet with business leaders and exporters, the same as when he visits Cornwall, Cumbria, Wales and Northern Ireland . It's irrelevant what Sturgeon thinks.

Chris Temple agreed: “Yes it’s essential. He's the Prime Minister not the First Minister and supporting the UK is his job. Fact.”

Rachel Rutherford didn’t think it should be an issue: “To be honest I don’t understand the problem. People are allowed to travel for work. We have people up and down from around here for work reasons from all over the UK some commuting weekly. So as long as Boris is doing it for work why is his travel any different? If he was breaking the rules fair enough but it seems he is only doing what his employment sets out for him. I’m presuming they will take all the necessary precautions.”

Meanwhile, Dave Simon thinks that people’s priorities should be elsewhere: “Irrespective of ones own opinion, it’s not going to change it is it? Does a councillor have to go to his office every day, requiring public endorsement about that journey if they reside outside the council area? Our own First Minister has often travelled beyond her council area. Where does this stop? A waste of time that just creates more bickering when we all have more pressing concerns.”David Lightbody thinks the debate just breaks down party lines: “It’s a nonsensical discussion. If you’re a Nationalist it’s not essential and if you’re a unionist it’s essential. Simple. No need to waste any more time on it.”

Finally, Andy Cowe, thinks it’s completely straightforward: “Regardless of your political stance, it’s unnecessary travel. Don’t do it.”