Transport charity’s urgent appeal for volunteer drivers

PEOPLE in Tarbert face being unable to make medical appointments if volunteer drivers don’t come forward.

Many clients in the region benefit from the services of charity Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers (MATV), but a severe shortage of drivers is placing pressure on existing volunteers.

Norma Ross, MATV secretary, said: ‘Our volunteer drivers take elderly and/or disabled adults in their own cars to keep social and medical appointments if they are unable to access public transport.

‘We have around 120 clients in North Kintyre but only two drivers in the Tarbert area. We do not want to let these clients down.’

Tarbert woman Margaret Scott, 74, had never used the service until a recent hospital appointment in Oban.

She gave MATV a try and said afterwards: ‘I can’t speak highly enough for the service. The driver couldn’t have been any more attentive and helpful.

‘I’m not the best traveller, but I was just so relaxed. I was highly delighted.’

Frances Menzies, 68, has used MATV for many years. ‘I’ve been to many different hospitals with them and it’s an excellent service,’ she said. ‘The drivers are brilliant and I don’t know what I would do without them.’

Norma Ross added: ‘If you are a car owner who lives in Tarbert and you are reading this now, ask yourself if you could be a volunteer driver. It may only involve a few hours a week.’

North Kintyre councillor Anne Horn said: ‘This service helps people attend important appointments and attend to personal matters. I would urge anyone who can spare some time to support the volunteer drivers and help out.’