New notices

Sir, At the Scottish Government Cabinet public discussion meeting held in Lamlash on August 27, I raised two issues regarding the new ferry terminal with the minister for transport Michael Matheson.

I requested that written signs be placed at the ticket counters in Ardrossan and Brodick explaining that assistance was available to foot passengers for help with luggage and for those with impaired mobility. While some residents are aware of the availability of these services, many visitors and residents do not know that they can receive help in managing the long passageway and large number of stairs. Mr Matheson agreed that the placement of written notices should be fairly simple to implement.

During the coffee break I had the opportunity to speak to the minister privately and he assured me that he plans to meet with CalMac executives shortly in order to request that these written notices be placed as soon as possible. As he is based in Edinburgh he asked me to let him know when, and if, such notices are in place.

As a part-time resident of the island I can only monitor the situation from May to September. Therefore I would greatly appreciate any help that can be given by full time residents who use the ferry terminal regularly. Please let me know when the written notices are in place by sending an email to me at: sshenhav@ zahav.net.il

I also requested that the minister of transport use his power to improve coordination of bus services with the ferry arrival times so that foot passengers are not left behind when buses to the north and south of the island leave before all foot passengers have left the terminal. Anyone who has experienced such difficulty should contact me so that I can report to the minister.

Yours, Sharon Shenhav Lamlash