Islanders thanked

Sir,

I wish to pass praise on to the local police officers on Arran, employees of CalMac and especially the wonderful people of Arran who dealt with the cancelled ferry incident at Brodick ferry terminal on Saturday May 13.

The police officers and terminal staff were thoroughly professional and considerate while dealing with the stranded passengers.

I know a number of other passengers were rather upset and expressed their views vociferously but I for one appreciate how the situation was handled.

I was given a bed for the night by a wonderful lady (Denise Keenan) who very kindly provided accommodation for myself and two other strandees.

She would not take anything in return for her kindness and hospitality merely telling us that it would be enough if we passed on the favour to someone else who needed help.

Denise kept us up to date with all the efforts of police, CalMac and locals to get everyone at the terminal accommodated for the night and thankfully everyone had a roof of some description over their heads.

The next day whilst waiting for the ferry I listened to several disgruntled passengers in the reception area ranting about the incident and intimating that they couldn’t wait to complain about their experience.

I don’t think the majority of them realised how desperate the weather conditions were and how dangerous it would have been for the sailing to be attempted.

I hope when they have time to think about the incident they realise how fortunate they were and appreciate the efforts made on their behalf to spend an unplanned night on the island in accommodation arranged by the police and CalMac and provided by the wonderful islanders.

I have visited your beautiful island many times and plan to do so many times in the future.

I for one appreciate the efforts of all involved. Well done and thank you.

Yours,

Joe Scullion,

Burnside,

Glasgow.