A desk exercise

We imagined last week’s editorial opinion might seem on the harsh side in retrospect.

If anything, a deeper look at the 11 Transport Scotland ‘options’ has hardened our view that this was a desk exercise, bordering on an insult to the intelligence of the people of Argyll.

We know the area. Most options are not feasible or fail to meet the brief. What was the brief anyway?

Why no tunnels? Even rail options, as suggested by John Finnie? Beefed-up ferry routes, using sea lochs?

There are plenty of feasible, imaginative ideas out there. The way this is being done they will not be uncovered.

If the government is serious, and has money to spend, this is a golden opportunity to address the wider long-term transport needs of Argyll and the islands.

Let’s take time to do it properly – with ambition and imagination. Views on the Scottish Government’s 11 alternative road options to the Rest and be Thankful which were unveiled last week.