Fair weather only service

Sir,

The recent spell of wintry weather has emphasised the weaknesses and unreliability of the Arran ferry service.

There should be a prefix on the timetable emphasising ‘fair weather only service’. Over the years we have become acclimatised to this situation (it will pass).

The future has always been a ‘Jam tomorrow’ attitude.

Whether it be new ferries (this will be the third), new terminals (such as Brodick), better fendering, better berth alignment etc.

Result is the same – long-term failure (it wisn’y me!). The negativity of CMAL and ultimately Transport Scotland is predictable.

Crossing the firth is not the problem – other services operate in similar weather.

The difficulties centre on lack of proper weather protection at the terminals.

Modern car ferries (unlike passenger ferries of old) need properly sheltered terminals to operate reliably.

The answer is known, but not accepted, because the ‘elephant in the room’ as it were, is seen as expensive.

There is no PR kudos in breakwaters – properly done, they just work!

We are all familiar with experience elsewhere of offshore rock breakwaters (not elaborate stone constructions of old) but simple rock construction (wildlife sanctuaries).

Design and execution of such work would need to be undertaken by organisations with a track record (due diligence).

Probably Scandinavian or Dutch origin, with expertise in rock handling.

Existing terminals such as Ardrossan and Brodick would then be protected against conditions which presently create such difficulty. Yours,

Robert Kerr,

Lochranza.