Brexit and Indyref2

YOU WILL be relieved to hear that we are not going to discuss this issue for at least 18 months as I feel quite sure we will all be sick, tired and fed-up of it all by then.

Council elections

ON A SUBJECT closer to home, Argyll and Bute Council goes to the polls in May and there is something that really worries me.

While out and about, taking the opportunity to have a political blether here and there, I am alarmed by the number of people who say they are not going to vote in the local council elections this year.

Several reasons are given, the most popular being ‘ they make promises at the door and when elected nothing changes,’ and ‘ I don’t trust any of them’.

By not voting, people are not helping to make changes. Remember, council elections are not about party politics. This is an election that gives you, the voter, the chance to vote for a candidate you know, you believe in, you trust. One who might stick up for you when you need help and who will listen to you. You don’t need to like them. So please use your vote and use it wisely. On the day, the outcome of the election is up to the people who vote - you.

Emergency services

FOLLOWING last week’s column, I am taking a second look at a subject that makes my blood boil.

That is the fact rural areas of Scotland are suffering from a severe lack of emergency cover from our ambulance service because of present- day working practices.

Here in Oban we have 20 ambulance personnel crammed in to what can only be described as a garage and a small recreation area and office.

It is a building which, in my opinion, is not fit for purpose.

Despite this, our two paramedic crews and our patient transfer crews give 100 per cent to our area.

Despite local efforts, the Scottish Ambulance Service is not helping.

While only having two front line ambulances with paramedics and technicians as crew, those ambulances are getting used as patient transfer vehicles to Glasgow more and more often. This is not on. Emergency ambulances should not be used for patient transport unless absolutely necessary and if they are they should be allowed to return to their home station directly.

So the next time you are at an incident wondering where that ambulance is, remember the situation the crews are often in.

The pressure these highly- skilled professionals are under through mismanagement is not of their doing.

Community spirit

ON A happier note, the local community pulled out all the stops when Joe Hunter featured in The Oban

Times after he had his bike stolen by some mindless, heartless moron.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of a Just Giving Campaign, Joe ended up taking delivery of a new bike, with the cash to buy the bike raised in three hours.

Well done to everyone who made Joseph so happy. A fine tribute to the people of this area, a brilliant effort made by one and all, Oban at its best.