Sir,
I appreciate the points that Russ MacLean and other recent correspondents have been making about the reliability of the ferry service to Arran over the past month, and understand how frustrating this must be for communities and local businesses.
Before addressing the issues he raises, I would like to thank him for recognising the efforts of our staff, and to reassure everyone on the island we are working at maximum effort to maintain services. I would also like to acknowledge his previous letter of August 25 and the points he outlines so clearly in that.