I have been meeting my constituents and putting my latest survey in Caol Ila, Keills, Newton, Bowmore and Port Ellen on Islay and West Loch in Tarbert.
The biggest issue I have been hearing about on Islay is McLeod Homes making a new footpath across the Bowmore rugby pitch, which is also used for some of the youngsters’ football. While a new all-weather football pitch and footpath are more than welcome and much needed, Bowmore must also retain its rugby pitch.
I would implore McLeod Homes to reposition this path and, if that cannot be done, then the rugby pitch must be extended. There is little doubt in my mind that the many users of the rugby pitch and many other local residents were not properly consulted. In future our planning department, McLeod Homes and we as a council must ensure something like this does not happen again.