Common sense and hard evidence needed

Sir,

The present survey on the temporary use of Troon misses the point. The real and pressing question surely is whether the Ardrossan redevelopment should in fact go ahead, and whether more thought about our mainland port is required.

The minister responsible, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, and now the Arran Ferry Committee, have stated categorically that the redevelopment will improve Ardrossan’s reliability, and weather resilience. But yet, neither have provided one shred of evidence to substantiate such a claim.

Ardrossan harbour will always be tight, and with no measures to mitigate swell how can that view be credible? Will for instance, the ferry be able to berth overnight there in poor weather or will the misery of cancelled 7am ferries continue? Are we again looking down the barrel of another Brodick disaster with well recognised and significantly worse weather resilience, despite many millions being spent?

The people of Arran deserve better information, and a good and simple place to start would be for the current route skippers to be asked publicly to state whether the Ardrossan redevelopment will allow them to sail more often and berth safely in adverse weather. We already know the answer for Brodick!

These are difficult times and it is essential that every single penny of public money is spent wisely, with transparent due diligence. It is not the time for political dogma and face saving, but instead a time to let common sense and hard evidence prevail.

Yours,

Robert Cumming, John Ford, David Henderson, Richard Wright, Archie Cumming, Alan Mitchell, Lochranza