The Community Council welcomes views and discussion on the important topics that will affect our communities. We hope to promote dialogue from interested individuals to help us make sure we are reflecting the concerns and wishes of the largest possible number of Arran people, to ensure a full and accurate view is presented to the relevant bodies responsible for driving change.
Your letters will be published only with your prior agreement (see the “Contact Us” page for conditions). We will consolidate the letters under relevant subject headings to facilitate open discussion.
General Correspondence
Fiona Brown
Mon, 19 Sept 2011
Subj:Apathy!
Dear residents of the Isle of Arran,
I wish I could find the right words to explain to you how very frustrating it is for all the regular volunteers, and committee members, not to get the additional support we need from YOU! There are many groups and committees on Arran doing wonderful work and we are all striving to make things better for as many people as possible. YOUR opinion is just as important as the next persons. I simply cannot understand the apathy which prevails. Even our Government is seeking the opinion of the Public on many Committees and Reviews which are ongoing at this moment. You do not have to become an Office Bearer on any Committee or group. The things we all want and need, are your opinions, your worries and concerns, your ideas and suggestions. We want you to join us. We want you to help us to make a difference.
My group is "The Isle of Arran Elderly Forum" ..... and I will just remind you that a forum is a place for Public Discussion. If you are not over 55 then there are countless other groups you could help.
Please give this some serious contemplation.
Yours aye,
Fiona W Brown
Road Equivalent Tariff
Name and Address supplied.
20th Aug. 2011
Regarding the points listed on the RET section of the ACC website, I have no disagreement that these need to be discussed. I would however like to raise two concerns which are not covered.
1. No mention of the Senior Citizens ticket charge which, if it is set at the Road Equivalent should be free for ferry travellers.
2. Road safety. The need for a controlled pedestrian crossing in Brodick village if an increase in commercial traffic is expected i.e. Via Lochranza.
I trust there will be a public meeting to discuss all aspects of this topic and look forward to hearing the arrangements.
Thank you.
Neil Arthur
Fri, 29 Jul 2011
I note that the CC have now discussed this issue twice. I am not against RET, on the contrary in so far as it will probably assist our largest commercial sector i.e. tourism I am all for it but I feel that all aspects of the island community need to have a voice on this and that all sectors must demonstrate that they will pass on potential benefits to the community e.g. that fuel prices will drop, the reduced freight charges will be passed on to customers, that residents can be assured of access to the ferry at busy times etc.
I post this to promote a wider debate and recommend an interactive discusion between the interested parties in order to arrive at an island concencus to take to the Scottish Parliament in an attempt to ensure that in the long tem RET will be advantageous. If RET only brings cheaper fares and nothing else then there are potential mid to long term consequences for the community which may not be what some of the island residents are wishing for.
Sunday Ferry Service
Donald Mackay
Sun, 10 Jul 2011
Asking the community for their views on Sunday timetable matters is a welcome innovation and to be commended. An 0820 Brodick departure will greatly benefit residents who wish to have a full Sunday on the mainland rather than having to stay away from home on Saturday night. An 0700 Sunday Ardrossan departure and the consequent cancellation of either the 0945 or 1230 is less attractive.
Recent letters in the Press have raised similar general timetable concerns which could be addressed by the Scottish Ferries Review before the next contract is placed.
The Draft Ferries Plan to be published shortly will have a 6 week online consultation period for the community to raise such contractual concerns for resolution eg contractual provision of two vessels could provide a timetable like that for Bute. Rothesay has 980 sailings a month, Brodick has 300. Both routes carry 700k+ passengers annually.
Anon
8th July 2011
Good to see consideration being given to earlier sailings on a Sunday.
Would like to know why an option which included the ferry coming back to Arran with a later sailing on the Saturday and staying overnight then depart at the 8:20 schedule was not included. This would surely provide a better revenue opportunity for Cal Mac than leaving Ardrossan at 7am on a Sunday morning.
Need to open up consideration for later sailings especially over weekends to allow residents to enjoy a full day mainland visit. 6pm is too early for folks visiting hospitals etc which are not in the immediate area.
Name withheld
6th July 2011
We welcome the possible introduction of an 8.20 sailing from Brodick on Sunday mornings. This will enable us to attend several events on the mainland held throughout the year that start at 10am. The 8.20 & 11.05 sailings out and the 3.15 & 6pm sailings back would be the most sensible choice, leaving a gap in the middle of the day for training drills.
Sunday Ferry Service
Name withheld on request
5th July 2011
Just completed the Cal Mac survey for Sunday option C. However they have removed the 12.30 and 1.50 sailings for 'on board drills' why does this have to be completed on a Sunday? one of the busiest days in summer, why not a Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday ?
Also agree with the recent letter in the Banner that we need a later return sailing than the last ferry at 6 pm each evening.
Better to have a later sailing and remove one during the day if necessary.