Don’ts ink cafes

In Alastair Dalton’s Calmac ferries Insight article (21 November), Lord Robertson, chair of Western Ferries, suggests that a “no frills” service, without on-board cafeterias, would be quite adequate. While that might suit vehicular passengers it would be most inconvenient for foot passengers, especially those taking several buses or trains on a several-hour journey with tight connections to reach the ferry port and, as COP26 has surely made clear, it is essential to encourage those ferry passengers who can travel without a vehicle to do so, by making that option attractive.

For example, when I travel from St Andrews to Arran, the journey just to Ardrossan takes 4-5 hours: bike, bus or taxi to Leuchars, then three trains: Leuchars-edinburgh; Edinburgh-glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central-ardrossan, with a quick pedal between the two Glasgow stations. There is no ontrain catering and stopping for a coffee could mean not just a missed rail connection but also a missed ferry. Once off the boat, there is only just time to reach the bus before it leaves to cross the island. The only time on the journey when one has time to partake of refreshment is on the boat.

I cannot see somebody being persuaded to leave the car behind faced with the prospect of travelling for 6-7 hours as above without the chance of a bite to eat or even a coffee. The ship cafeterias must stay.

JANE ANN LISTON

St Andrews, Fife