Make Arran’s voice heard

So the two sides in the port debate are coming to Arran to hear the views of the islanders. And about time too, in our opinion.

As we said at the outset, this debate seems increasingly about what the ferry route would mean for Ardrossan or Troon. But what about Arran? It is more important to us than to anyone.

Even the North Ayrshire Council campaign slogan ‘Save Our Ferry’ has come in for some criticism. Whose ferry? What does it even mean? The ferry is not at risk – well, we hope not.

As for Troon, they keep banging on about this £50,000 community fund. We think most people on the island would be more interested, first and foremost, in a reliable, efficient ferry service.

Back in Ardrossan, we are told that the service is vital for the local economy supporting hundreds of jobs worth around £4.5 million in wages alone, and that is a good thing. But where are the Arran figures or have they yet to be even considered?

Meanwhile, the biggest concern about Troon appears to be the extended journey times, and potential extra cost, as well as the rail and other transport links, which a few electric buses may not be able solve.

Perhaps, given all this, it is good that the two sides are coming to Arran in the coming weeks to state their cases and, hopefully, listen to the views of the islanders. What is important is that people make use of the opportunity to make their feelings known.

Unless people turn out to the meetings, they cannot complain somewhere down the line that they do not like the outcome.

It is our ferry and the Arran voice must be heard among the clamour of political rhetoric on the mainland.

Farewell, then, to Santa’s Sparke. For seven years it has been the start of Christmas on Arran. But Glenisle owners Timothy and Geoffery have called it a day and they are to be thanked for the time and effort they have, almost single-handedly, ploughed into the event year after year.

They went out on a high this year, that is for sure.