Business sacrifice

Sir,

Arran ferry committee has requested the Essential Lifeline Timetable be extended (Arran Banner May 22).

As I understand, the Ferry Committee does not speak for the people and businesses of Arran in regard to the COVID-19 lockdown and how and when it should be lifted. This is the remit of the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. It is ironic this request has been readily complied with when many of the improvements sought by the ferry committee and the the Arran Ferry Action Group are not implemented or happen at a glacial place.

A high proportion of businesses and recreational facilities on Arran survive only because of summer tourist trade and unless these businesses salvage some of this trade they will not survive. Irrespective of whether one agrees with the lockdown, and the scientific modelling it was based on, it will be phased out.

Rather than proposing extended restrictions, the ferry committee and CalMac should be working together to devise how the ferry service will operate safely as restrictions are lifted. This will probably require higher frequency sailings with reduced occupancy to accommodate social distancing. Likewise, businesses of Arran know the restrictions will end at some point and should be working to devise new safe operating procedures.

For islanders concerned by the prospect of more visitors, it should be recognised COVID-19 is not a severe disease for a very large proportion of the people infected. Unfortunately for a small minority it is a serious disease. People in high risk categories, all over Scotland, need to take responsibility for their own safety. Sacrificing island businesses is not the way.

Yours, Dr Douglas Graham, Whiting Bay.