Motorhome tax

Sir, I was saddened to read, in your letters columns of September 16, of the loss of business to the Arran brewer caused by cancelled ferry trips to and from Ardrossan. A port CalMac seems increasingly to have difficulties operating from in inclement weather.

As a South Ayrshire resident who is well aware of the better shelter at Troon harbour I can only express sympathy for the minority of the Arran population who supported the proposal to move operations from Ardrossan to Troon!

However, as person who has had many lovely holidays on and visits to Arran, I am delighted for the locals that they are getting a nice new extra ferry to serve their £22 million new terminal at Brodick on all the days the boats can run. It is wonderful that the Banner can hail a mega millions boost to the island’s economy.

Just one word of caution. I suggest all islanders view the recent information from Alasdair Allan MSP for the Western Isles regarding the bad side of the huge increases in mobile home travel experienced by Lewis, Harris and the Uists.

He points out the facts that neither the roads, parking areas nor even waste management is able to cope with a near tenfold increase in motorhome visits since 2007.

Be aware too that mobile homes neither bring business to hotels and guest houses nor do they represent an enormous source of sales as these big wagons bring within them supplies bought far from the island and often outwith Scotland.

Mr Allan is proposing a levy on motorhome travellers to the islands which Arran may also have to consider in years ahead.

Yours,

John Wilson, Prestwick.