Holiday booking firm Airbnb has bowed to pressure and blocked hosts from making bookings during lockdown.

It follows anger at some irresponsible hosts in the UK advertising “ Covid-19 retreats” perfect for “isolating with family”.

In a statement this morning, Airbnb director of public policy Patrick Robinson said the booking function will be stopped until April 18 "at least".

Key workers and bookings for "essential stays" will still be permitted.

Robinson said: “Hosts across the UK are playing a vital role in housing NHS and other medical staff as they continue their critical work.

"We've also heard from hosts who want to help others follow the rules and keep people safe during these unprecedented times.

"Restricting bookings on Airbnb to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting frontline workers while following government guidance."

Current UK restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic include bans on non-essential travel. Hotels and B&Bs are only supposed to be for key-workers.

The Scottish Government has pleaded with tourists and second-home owners to stay away.

And at the weekend, Dr Catherine Calderwood was forced to quit her role as chief medical officer for Scotland after admitting she visited a holiday home on the coast of Fife twice against national guidance.

We revealed two days ago how Brendan O’Hara, SNP MP for Argyll and Bute, wrote to Airbnb chief Brian Hesky demanding a crackdown.

In a letter seen by the Record, O’Hara said he is “seriously concerned” that it’s still possible to reserve and book accommodation in his area and other parts of rural Scotland.

“This is causing significant distress to local communities who rightly fear the virus could be spread by people coming into the area,” he said.

Recent Airbnb listings appeared to be available all over O’Hara’s sprawling constituency, including parts of Loch Lomondside.

One property, now edited, boasted it was cleaned with an antiviral UV light.