SCOTTISH nationalists are using the coronavirus contagion to “fuel tensions” after calls to close the border with Cumbria.

That is the view of Oliver Mundell an MSP for Dumfriesshire who labels their activities “alarmist”.

He and his father David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, have put out a joint statement to clarify the position on cross border travel.

The Scots Tory duo have said that it is acceptable to travel across the border, despite widespread confusion after Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, refused to stay in line after the UK Government announced it would gradually ease lockdown measures on Sunday.

David said: “Understandably, there has been a lack of clarity in recent days.

“Anybody living in the south of Scotland can continue to travel to England for work, essential shopping and medical needs without breaking Scottish or UK Government guidelines.”

They have also welcomed UK Government clarification for people in England not to travel to Scotland unnecessarily.

Oliver said: “It is not in the interest of the people of Dumfriesshire or Cumbria to have border crossings restricted.

“It is important we are all able to pass freely on essential journeys both ways.”