PRIME minister Boris Johnson travelled to Scotland for a one-day visit this week, which led us to ask readers of the Border Telegraph: "What would you say to him?"

Mr Johnson's journey had been condemned by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who described it as "non-essential" travel under lockdown guidance.

Some readers appeared to agree with Ms Sturgeon, while others were more sympathetic to Mr Johnson.

During his visit to Glasgow, Mr Johnson visited the Lighthouse Laboratory – a UK Government facility where samples of coronavirus are being processed – and then went on to visit a vaccination centre in the Castlemilk district of the city.

The Prime Minister then visited the Valneva centre in Livingston where a COVID-19 vaccine is being produced.

But back to the question we asked readers: "What would you say to Boris Johnson?"

More than 400 comments were given in response to this – and we have published a handful of them below.

'He's a Trump wannabe'

Commenting on Facebook, one reader said she would tell the Prime Minister: "That he's an arrogant idiot who thinks the rules don't apply to him.

"If he had shut our borders and stopped travel abroad during last year's lockdown we probably wouldn't be in the mess we are in now.

"There was so much more he could have done but he didn't because he is a [Donald] Trump wannabe and all he cares about is money."

'He should be showing a better example'

Another wrote: "Rules are rules no matter who you are!!!

"Only essential travel and stay at home we're told and no cross-border journeys.

"I've not seen my family for at least six months to protect so no respect for his trip if that was me doing trip I would be facing fine!!"

One person wrote that they were "very disappointed", adding: "We are all told to stay at home – we are doing it because we know it's the right thing to do – but he thinks it's OK to travel from London to Scotland for an unnecessary purpose!

"He should be showing a better example and staying at home!"

'Deserve an honest explanation'

And in a comment which generated 40 positive 'reactions' among other readers, one person wrote: "Boris I am unable to visit my parents in the Borders whom I haven’t seen since November I’m in Fife.

"Can you explain to them why you can travel all this way and I can’t travel to meet up with them even briefly outside.

"I’m not as good with words as you are PM but I think they deserve an honest explanation."

'Thank you for your service'

But there were some readers who praised Mr Johnson for his efforts.

One reader commented: "Mr Johnson, thank you for your ongoing leadership during this pandemic.

"I was sad to see you catch the virus. But glad you recovered. I know that you are doing a thankless task day in and day out.

"I’m not sure how you get up each day, but I’m glad you do.

"I fear this gruelling task will take an unprecedented burden on your health and family. Thank you for your service."

Another Border Telegraph reader wrote: "Well done for carrying out your job during these hard times."