Arran Banner Leader: Holding Government to account

As Arran struggles with ferry capacity issues, disrupted sailings, less sailings, longer sailing times and a distinct lack of connected travel links, there is little doubt these concerns are of little importance to those in charge who have watched the service deteriorate.

The situation we are in - with a ferry that is too large for its home port and a timetable which is extremely restrictive to the point of being barely usable - has not suddenly become apparent.

Everyone involved, including service users, have been well aware that Ardrossan Harbour has been neglected and needed urgent upgrading. This has been evident since 2017. And with each passing year, especially as the delivery of MV Glen Sannox seemed imminent, it became more apparent that a situation was developing whereby Arran would be left with a boat that does not fit its harbour.

For most, it has been like watching a slow-motion-car crash unfold, but for those that pull the strings, it has been a political hot potato with no accountability and no repercussions for those who have failed us.

Grassroots organisations like Save Ardrossan Harbour and the Arran equivalent deserve praise for demanding better.