SO P&0 is leaving Troon (“Delight as CalMac launches new daily services to islands”, The Herald, January 14). Another apparently successful business has been allowed to fail to thrive. The list of failed apparently successful businesses in Ayrshire is extraordinary and striking. Those listed below are a few of the most recent examples:
SeaCat Ferries: operated for six years, it sailed 365 days a year, three sailings per day in the summer, two of which were full boats, straight into the heart of Belfast. The knock-on effect of its closure on local businesses is still being felt.
Prestwick Airport: went from 30/40 plus passenger and freight flights per day to a mere one or two in less than three years. Despite all of its obvious advantages: M77, direct fast train link to Glasgow, good all year round weather, new arrivals lounge, plenty of parking, committed workforce; it was sold for £1. The airport itself was spacious and luxurious by the standards of Beauvais and some other European airports.
P&O Ferries: lost out to a port with no direct public transport link, hotels, restaurants, amenities accessed by a one and a half hour drive on horrendous winter roads. Troon had the M77, a quick rail link into Glasgow and beyond, had plenty of amenities, proximity of premier league football clubs, golf, Ayr races, Glasgow shopping, local accommodation and two international airports close by, not to mention the impending Open Golf at Troon.
Loss of HMS Gannet: The loss of this professional, competent, dedicated and successful rescue service, however competent the new private one, will take time to be felt but it will happen.
This list is far from exhaustive but it should raise some questions about why Ayrshire is failing to thrive.
David Bell,
8 Teviot Place, Troon
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