Tourism is the Arran mainstay

The Banner’s front page article last week on the problems being caused by the large increase in the number of motorhomes and camper vans coming to the island provoked a big response from owners and drivers both on the island and the mainland. Here our letters special continues the debate.

Sir, I was very disappointed by the tone of the leading Banner article of June 18, with its repeated use of the inflammatory word ‘menace’. As the voice of the community, what sort of message does that send to the very visitors you often bemoan don’t visit the island in large enough numbers?

Tourism is the Arran mainstay; most local businesses depend on it.

Reading the article itself, there are only three negative points made (lack of adequate facilities/Lochranza ferry overcrowding/Shiskine Golf Club incident).

Only the last of these deserves the word ‘menace’ and appears to be an individual criminal act, not part of a trend – unless you are suggesting that typical motorhome owners have a propensity towards criminal behaviour.

Come on the Banner, motorhome owners should be welcomed, not shunned or insulted by provocative language.

Yes, there are problems, such as inadequate parking areas, insufficient disposal facilities and so forth but why not speak out on ways the island can solve these problems and seek to provide a positive welcome instead?

Why not ensure that they (and the locals) have a good experience while they’re here contributing to the island’s most vital industry?

Yours, John Cunningham, Macclesfield.