We on Islay are once again suffering disruptions to our ferry service at one of our busiest times of the year. How many more times will this have to happen before a solution is found? The hard pressed taxpayers have been subsidising the Cal Mac ferry service for decades yet these problems with our service seem to be increasing as time goes on.

Our economy is growing on Islay in both heavy industry and tourism alike but that growth is being stifled by the frankly inept management of Cal Mac. The latest disruptions are by no means the fault of Cal Mac's hard working front line staff, but their management team needs to be held responsible for this. Tens of thousands of pounds are lost from potential tourist revenue every year on Islay and Jura due to these disruptions.

Aside from the financial cost to Islay and Jura's businesses local residents are being hit unfairly with travel disruptions and huge inconveniences through no fault of their own. Cal Mac's management has for far too long taken their monopoly of our ferry service for granted. Perhaps public patience has been tested for the last time.

Cllr Alastair Redman