Neil Gaiman apologises for breaking coronavirus lockdown to fly 11,000 miles to Scottish island of Skye

Author Neil Gaiman has said sorry for flying thousands of miles to his home on a remote Scottish island during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Stardust writer has been widely criticised this week for his 11,000 mile-trip from New Zealand to the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides.

He said that he had agreed with his partner that they "needed some space" and flew "masked and gloved" to London before driving to the Scottish island.

Gaiman apologised for his "foolish" actions in a blog post on Tuesday.

He said: “Like so many other people, my home life and work had been turned upside down by the Covid-19 lockdowns. I was panicked, more than a little overwhelmed and stuck in New Zealand.

“When I landed, the whole of the UK was under lockdown rules. I drove directly to my home in the UK, which is on Skye. I came straight here and I’ve been in isolation here ever since.”

The author added: “Since I got here, Skye has had its own tragic Covid outbreak – 10 deaths in a local care home.

“It’s not set up to handle things like this and all the local resources are needed to look after the local community."

Gaiman said he had made a mistake and told other people not to follow his example and stay away from remote Scottish islands during the lockdown.

“I’m sure I’ve done sillier things in my life but this is the most foolish thing I’ve done in quite a while,” he said.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon weighed in after news of Gaiman's trip emerged on Monday, reminding people to "stay at home".

And leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster Ian Blackford added: "Can I just remind anyone else thinking of coming to the Highlands this is against the regulations.

"To come from the other end of the planet is gobsmacking."

Police said they had spoken to Gaiman.

Inspector Linda Allan said: “Officers have visited Neil Gaiman and spoken to him about his actions.

”He has been given suitable advice about essential travel and reminded about the current guidelines in Scotland.”

People should only make "essential" journeys under coronavirus lockdown rules in Scotland.