Tom Young– Independent

Arran residents need our voice to be heard.

As an Arran resident, family man, and business owner, it is my mission to ensure the unique needs and interests of our island community are being addressed.

I live in Whiting Bay with my wife, two young children and elderly parents.

I represent the village on the Arran Community Council and I am the chair of our local primary school council.

I have chosen to run independently. We all feel let down, to some extent, by the various parties.

For this election you do not need to pick a national party; elect someone to best represent our common interests as islanders.

Everyone’s most critical concern right now is the ferry service.

As councillor and the only official elected solely by Arran residents, I will fight for an emergency meeting of government bodies and local representatives.

We need to know that there is realistic planning in place.

We don’t need any more finger pointing (the government has accepted the blame), we need out of this mess. Whatever the answer, it will not come soon enough. In the meantime, we need action now.

Businesses are on the brink, jobs are on the line, families are leaving. I propose that the money spent on RET better meets its purpose by being directed straight to us; the residents.

RET has not had a significant impact upon visitor numbers, only on visitors’ car numbers. The infrastructure can’t cope.

We need to lessen the burden on our fragile ferries and roads until we get the necessary investment in place.

As a family man, the issues of care for the elderly, and building a sustainable future for our children are close to my heart.

I am grateful for the fantastic educational, health and social services we have here but I will hold the council to account over reduction in elderly care facilities and seek reinstatement of respite and overnight care. Ensuring continued social housing development on Arran is critical.

My background is hospitality; I know the challenges faced by our crucial local businesses. I will advocate for a permanent reduction in business rates, based upon the fact that Arran only has seasonal viability.

Moreover, until we have a reliable ferry service how can our businesses be expected to perform like those on the mainland?

My goal is to collaborate and meet challenges with passion, integrity, and confidence.

The single transferable vote system will elect 33 councillors next week across North Ayrshire’s nine electoral wards.