Imachar slipway

Sir, My family and I were horrified to read of the proposed timber slipway plan for Imachar shore (Arran Banner, Saturday November 24, 2018).

I grew up in Imachar and as a child enjoyed the freedom of playing on the shore and walking along the shore path towards Whitefarland and Pirnmill.

This is something my young children also love to do on our frequent visits to see their grandparents. As other correspondents to this paper have pointed out, this part of the island is currently unspoiled and tranquil.

The shore and the coastal path (part of the Arran Coastal Way) are extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. On both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, we met numerous other people out for a peaceful, scenic walk along the shore path.

There are rocks, waterfalls, caves and an old family graveyard along the route. It is a popular spot for campers and regular stop-off for cyclists (before tackling the brae) as well as ramblers, dog-walkers and families.

There has been a marked increase in wildlife in Imachar in recent years with otters, seals, swans and even porpoises being spotted – along with numerous species of birds nesting and feeding.

This proposal of a logging slipway and road would be devastating for wildlife, the landscape, tourism and the local residents.

Having a constant flow of heavy lorries and other logging vehicles would render it impossible for children to play freely on the shore or for people to use the path safely.

Imachar is a very small hamlet on Arran but one which has a rich history of tourism.

Over the years hundreds of people have chosen to stay in the boarding houses and self-catering accommodation in this small place, and nearby Balniken, to enjoy the beauty and peaceful tranquillity of the sea and the shore by the cliffs.

No doubt when the forestry trees in question were planted 40 years ago not much thought was given to how to get them off the island. Perhaps it was assumed the roads would have improved? Surely there must be a better solution than this.

Yours,

Eleanor Weir, Edinburgh.