Long harsh winter

After everything we have been through, it looks like Arran’s older population is in for a long harsh winter as the energy price hike bites.

Not only that, there’s empty shelves in the Co-op and rising food prices, which is mirrored country-wide, worries over the winter ferry service when the second boat stops next week, plus, of course, the ever-deteriorating weather.

Research by charity Age Scotland reveals energy bills are the number one concern for older people who feel financially squeezed. Two out of three also have had higher energy bills due to lockdown - even before the sweeping price rises began and more smaller firms are going to go bust.

Fuel poverty already affects one in three older households (over 222,000) in Scotland, raising concerns that increased energy bills will make life much harder for them to stay warm and well this winter.

The charity is urging older people to ensure they are not missing out on benefits as we go into winter, such as Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Allowance.

Older and more vulnerable customers should also ensure they are on the Priority Services Register with their energy supplier in case of power cuts.

And, of course, we can all help by taking a few minutes to regularly check, with a quiet word, that our relatives, neighbours and friends are not struggling in any way.

That is the Arran way and we hope it stays that way.