WITH reference to the ongoing discussion about the differing merits of Ardrossan and Troon as the mainland port for Arran, it is my opinion that neither option is satisfactory. Ardrossan is not safely accessible to even powerful ferries when the wind is blowing strongly from westerly directions. Troon is little better and has the additional disadvantages of being further away by sea, too expensive to access and too far from the train station.
A large number of residents and visitors to and from the Island travel on foot. To do this they either travel by train, or by car, parking their vehicles at Ardrossan. A few come by bus. Nearly 30 per cent of the residents are elderly, of whom a proportion require frequent hospital appointments on the mainland. For them especially, a reliable lifeline service to and from Arran is essential.
May I suggest that a third alternative to the two ports issue is to provide a foot passenger-only ferry. The advantage of this is that it could access mainland ports such as Fairlie and Largs in addition to Ardrossan and Troon, the first two being well sheltered by the Cumbraes from westerly winds. The boat need not be large and would not have to be bought, but could be leased from any number of sources worldwide.
Furthermore, it would not need special docking facilities, could dock at any one of three working piers on the Island and, by reason of its greater seaworthiness, sail in most weather conditions. This would give an essential alternative to foot passengers when the car ferry could not sail, in addition to assisting the latter during the summer season.
Iain Ferguson,
Northbeck Cottage, High Corrie, Isle of Arran.
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